Litany of saints at wedding

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Can I use the litany of saints chant/song as processional? What other songs would anyone recommend.
 
I have no advice on whether the Litany of the Saints could be used as processional music, but I want to say that I think including it in a wedding is a wonderful idea! What could be better as you embark on a new vocation than to have the prayers of all the saints as a part of it.
 
The Litany of the saints is rather penitential in nature for a wedding, isn’t it? While I imagine most parishes would probably allow it, I’m skeptical that it would be the best choice for a processional. You might want to consider either an instrumental piece for the processional, or one of the Te Deums. Perhaps, rather than the Litany of the Saints, you could do the Litany to the Virgin at some point during the service?

Litany to the Virgin

Possible processionals:

Prince of Denmark’s March
Te Deum - Charpantier
Te Deum - Tallis

There are others. Probably something you have to take up with the Church where you will be having a wedding. They vary in strictness. Some permit almost anything, others have specific lists to choose from.
 
mburn16 said:
The Litany of the saints is rather penitential in nature for a wedding, isn’t it? While I imagine most parishes would probably allow it, I’m skeptical that it would be the best choice for a processional. You might want to consider either an instrumental piece for the processional, or one of the Te Deums. Perhaps, rather than the Litany of the Saints, you could do the Litany to the Virgin at some point during the service?

Litany to the Virgin

Possible processionals:

Prince of Denmark’s March
Te Deum - Charpantier
Te Deum - Tallis

There are others. Probably something you have to take up with the Church where you will be having a wedding. They vary in strictness. Some permit almost anything, others have specific lists to choose from.
Click to expand...
How is the Litany of the Saints penitential? It’s sung at baptism and ordination, hardly occasions of penance.

I might recommend having it sung before the wedding begins instead of during the processional. Te Deum would be much better suited as a recessional, after the Sacrament has been accomplished.
 
aemcpa said:
How is the Litany of the Saints penitential? It’s sung at baptism and ordination, hardly occasions of penance.
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I agree that “penitential” is not the best word to use, but the Litany of the Saints is traditionally associated with the Seven Penitential Psalms, as sung in choro after Matins and Lauds. The LotS is also used in the Usus antiquior for the Major and Minor Litanies, which are pentitential days.

I would argue that the LotS is primarily for a time of need. At baptisms and ordinations that need is for the Saints to come protect and preserve those receiving the Sacrament. I suppose one could make the same case for the Sacrament of Matrimony, although I agree it would be more suitable before the nuptial ceremony.
 
My nephew used a litany that include all the early church fathers, founders of religious orders, etc.

When they processed in, the altar was bare.

They used the litany at offertory when the altar was decorated, candles lit, paten, chalis etc brought to the altar, the gifts brought forward (by the best man and maid of honor). And the kneelers were placed so the bride and groom could kneel before the altar for the eucharistic pray.

Fabulous.
 
Great advice. Thank you all. Will look into the songs recommended.
God Bless you.
 
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