Doctrinal Content
The Feast of the Presentation, formerly marked the end of the Sundays after Christmas and now
occurs in the midst of the first Sundays of Ordinary Time. It is a time to remind the children of the obedience of Mary and Saint Joseph, who presented Jesus in the Temple. Allow the children to wonder and rejoice with Anna and Simeon that Jesus, the light of the world, has come to earth!
Origin of Text
Luke 2: 29-32
The Nunc Dimittis, or Canticle of Simeon is sung throughout the Church every night
during Night Prayer.
Origin of Melody
Gregorian, Plainsong, Mode VIII
Musical Analysis
Mode VIII, Final is SOL
As Gregorian plainsong, this chant is written in free rhythm.
Intervals – ascending and descending Major 3rd, descending minor 3rd
Teaching Recommendations
It is recommended to have the group of children sing only the antiphon, while an older
child or cantor, sings the verse. The Feast of the Presentation is also known as Candlemas.
It is traditionally the time of year in the Church when candles are blessed. Ask your pastor if the
children can have a candlelight procession. These types of experiences make a big impression on
the young child.
Copyright
Melody – Public Domain
Latin Text – Public Domain
Location
Liber Cantualis
Abbatia Sancti Petri De Solesmis / Consociatio Internationalis Musicae Sacrae
© Desclée, Paris-Tournai, 1978
© Abbaye Saint-Pierre de Solesmes
and
https://gregobase.selapa.net/chant.php?id=2897
