Communion Antiphons with Psalm Verses

These specially prepared communion antiphons from the Graduale Romanum include the Psalm verses (according to the Nova Vulgata) set to the corresponding tones, as described in the rubrics for singing the Mass (De Musica Sacra).

The earliest definite rubric about the Communion is found in the Ordo Romanus Primus (ca. 750/770 A.D.). It says : Nam, mox ut pontifex coeperit in senatorio communicare, statim scola incipit antiphonam ad communionem et psallunt usquedum communicat omnis populus. In other words, as soon as the Pope has begun to distribute Holy Communion in the senatorium (which is where the VIPs stood), the schola immediately intones the Communion antiphon (chanting it in alternation with the subdeacons) and they continue to chant until all the people have received Holy Communion. The then Pope makes a sign to them to sing the Gloria Patri, and so when they have repeated the antiphon [repetito versu] they stop. Thus should the Communion antiphon be intoned as soon as the priest has said the Ecce Agnus Dei and begins to distribute Holy Communion.

These antiphons and Psalms still represent the ideal for all Catholic parishes, as recommended in the General Instruction, and also fill a gap in the existing chant books. The Gregorian Missal includes the antiphon but not the Psalm verses. The Graduale includes the references to the Psalm verses, but its Psalter is very incomplete, so getting the actual text of the verses usually requires another book, a psalter of some sort, ideally with music. Such books are long out of print and very difficult to come by.

The CMAA, then, is very pleased to offer these full versions of the Communion antiphons, including the full Psalm verses, as a free and quick download, week by week, as they become available. They will continue to be listed in alphabetical order. The sincere hope here is that more parishes will use them as a means of singing what the Church asks us to sing, and thereby assist in maintaining the most beautiful and solemn setting for the reception of the Holy Eucharist. Special thanks to Richard Rice, director of the Canticum Novum Schola of Greater Washington, DC, who prepared these editions. To support this project, please consider joining the CMAA.

 

Index to Communion Antiphons | Gloria Patri

  • Acceptabis
  • Amen Dico Vobis
  • Aufer a Me
  • Beati Mundo
  • Beatus Servus
  • Benedicimus
  • Cantabo
  • Cantante Domino
  • Christus
  • Circuibo
  • Comedite
  • Data Est
  • De Fructu
  • Dicit Andreas
  • Dicit Dominus
  • Dicite Pusillanimes
  • Dico Vobis
  • Domine Dominus
  • Domine Memorabor
  • Dominus Dabit
  • Dominus Firmamentum
  • Dominus Regit
  • Domus Mea
  • Ecce Virgo
  • Ego Clamavi
  • Ego Sum Pastor
  • Ego Sum Vitis
  • Ego Vos Elegi
  • Exsulta Filia
  • Factus Est
  • Fili Quid
  • Gustate
  • Hoc Corpus
  • Honora
  • In Salutari
  • In Splendoribus
  • Illumina
  • Inclina
  • Introibo
  • Jerusalem Surge
  • Laetabimur
  • Lutum Fecit
  • Lux Aeterna
  • Memento
  • Manucaverunt
  • Mirabantur
  • Mitte
  • Multitudo
  • Narrabo
  • Nemo Te
  • Non Vos
  • Notas Mihi
  • Omnes Qui
  • Oportet
  • Optimam
  • Panem de Caelo
  • Panis
  • Pascha Nostrum
  • Passer
  • Pater Cum
  • Pater Si
  • Petite
  • Primum Quaerite
  • Psallite Domino
  • Qui Biberit (1)
  • Qui Biberit (2)
  • Qui Manducat
  • Qui Meditabitor
  • Qui Mihi Ministrat
  • Qui Vult
  • Quicumque
  • Quinque Prudentes
  • Quod Dico
  • Revelabitur
  • Scapulis
  • Sedebit
  • Simile
  • Simon Joannis
  • Signa Eos
  • Spiritus Sanctus
  • Surrexit
  • Tanto Tempore
  • Tolle Puerum
  • Tollite
  • Tu Mandasti
  • Ultimo
  • Unam Petii
  • Viderunt Omnes
  • Venite
  • Videns Dominus
  • Vidimus
  • Visionem
  • Vovete

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