Most Famous "Catholic" Christmas Songs

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*Gaudete *- the lovely a capella version of this Christmas carol (first recorded in the 16th century, but probably dating back to medieval times) by the electric folk group Steeleye Span hit #4 on the UK singles chart in 1973 - one of only 3 songs that were sung fully in Latin to hit the British top 50 pop chart.

Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus
Ex Maria virgine, gaudete!

Rejoice, rejoice! Christ is born
(Out) Of the Virgin Mary – rejoice!

Tempus adest gratiæ
Hoc quod optabamus,
Carmina lætitiæ
Devote reddamus.

The time of grace has come—
what we have wished for,
songs of joy
Let us give back faithfully.

Deus homo factus est
Natura mirante,
Mundus renovatus est
A Christo regnante.

God has become man,
(With) nature marvelling,
The world has been renewed
By Christ (who is) reigning

Ezechielis porta
Clausa pertransitur,
Unde lux est orta
Salus invenitur.

The closed gate of Ezekiel
Is passed through,
Whence the light is raised,
Salvation is found.

Ergo nostra contio
Psallat iam in lustro;
Benedicat Domino:
Salus Regi nostro.

Therefore let our gathering
Now sing in brightness
Let it give praise to the Lord:
Greeting to our King.

Here’s Steeleye Span performing it on stage: youtube.com/watch?v=EDc2FD-vy8M
 
Another Latin song to hit the Top 50 charts in the UK was actually an instrumental version of same - Mike Oldfield’s i[IIn Dulce Jubilo*, another Christmas carol, which was written by St. Henry Suso, a German Dominican friar and mystic, circa A.D. 1320., with macaronic German and Latin text. It was set to music and translated by a number of composers. Oldfield used the Pearsall version.

n dulci jubilo,
Nun singet und seid froh!
Unsers Herzens Wonne
Leit in praesepio;
Und leuchtet wie die Sonne
Matris in gremio.
Alpha es et O!

In sweet rejoicing,
now sing and be glad!
Our hearts’ joy
lies in the manger;
And it shines like the sun
in the mother’s lap.
You are the alpha and omega!

Mike Oldfield’s version: youtube.com/watch?v=yYK2Gzri8Lk
 
robwar said:
The 12 Days of Christimas is suppose to be a hidden way Catholics in England was teaching their children the basics of the faith.
Click to expand...
I was about to post that title as a joke, but instead I will, in the most polite and respectful way possible, call baloney!

tee
 
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