Christmas Eve Mass Rome, Music

[GMO1967]

I have watched the Christmas Eve Mass in Rome on NBC for years and really enjoy the music that is sung while the Pope is making his way to the altar. I guess it is during the processional. Anyway, it is mostly a cappella with some background organ. Does anyone know the name of the chant or song? I want to download it to my ipod but have no idea how to search for it. I am a Protestant and unfamiliar with the music but enjoy it very much. Thanks in advance for any help! Merry Christmas!

 

[benedictgal]

I have watched the Christmas Eve Mass in Rome on NBC for years and really enjoy the music that is sung while the Pope is making his way to the altar. I guess it is during the processional. Anyway, it is mostly a cappella with some background organ. Does anyone know the name of the chant or song? I want to download it to my ipod but have no idea how to search for it. I am a Protestant and unfamiliar with the music but enjoy it very much. Thanks in advance for any help! Merry Christmas!

Brace yourself, it’s going to be a beautiful service, now that Pope Benedict is at the helm. The entrance hymn is an antiphon from one of the Psalms, “You are my Son, this day I have begotten you” is what he used last year. I suspect he will have the Sistene Chapel Choir do this again. He uses antiphons a lot in his Masses. Last year’s recessional hymn was Silent Night.

I would suggest that you catch the broadcast from EWTN at about 5PM (CST), as it will be on live and the commentary will be from Vatican Radio. Chris Alteri, Philippa Hutchins, Emer McCarthy and Sister Janet Fearns are excellent at explaining things. You might want to contact Vatican Radio directly (www.radiovaticano.org) to see if they are going to have a podcast.