Preparation of the Gifts Part 4 Presentation Hymn

ABOUT THE MASS SERIES 

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PREPARATION OF THE GIFTS PART 4: PRESENTATION HYMN

 HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

The practice of accompanying the presentation of the gifts with song may have originated in Africa by St. Augustine in 4^th Century.  In Rome, however two alternating choirs sang the psalm verses with an antiphon occurring at the beginning and end of the psalmody. Since the purpose of the singing was to fill up the time occupied by the procession and the reception of the gifts, the gradual loss of the procession resulted in a curtailment of the text, leaving on most occasions no more than an antiphon sung by the choir.

St. Augustine’s ancient proverb ‘that to sing is to pray twice’ is a timely reminder of why we sing at Mass.  The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (2007) quoted St Augustine ’Singing is for one who loves’... (p.20).  Of course, there may be many valid reasons why we may feel reluctant to sing at Mass- but perhaps, we can make an extra effort as a congregation, to join our hearts and voice together in praise of God.

CURRENT TRADITION.

Since Vatican 11, singing and/or instrumental music to accompany the presentation of the gifts is considered desirable, until at least the gifts have been placed on the altar.  The hymn need not necessarily speak of bread and wine or of offering, as its proper function is rather to accompany and celebrate the communal aspects of the procession.  However, the text may be an appropriate song of praise or rejoicing in keeping with the season.  Nevertheless, hymns or instrumental music should not end indiscriminately at the end of the procession, nor extend past the time necessary for the ritual. How well do you join in the singing at Mass and at this time?  

Let us keep up the universal and established tradition and sing to God as one voice.