Laud, O Zion

Use: Corpus Christi sequence
Required Resources: cantor
Optional Resources: congregation, unison choir, organ
Language: English and Latin

The beautiful sequence for Corpus Christi was written by Saint Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century. Its Latin form has the title, Lauda Sion; even in its English translation it's not often sung at Mass due to its length. Saint Thomas wrote 24 stanzas of eloquent poetry for the sequence for the new feast of Corpus Christi when it was established in pontificate of Urban IV.

The CNP setting, "Laud, O Zion," is a practical way to sing this historic sequence in your parish. The composer has taken the 24 original stanzas and grouped them in threes; the eight verses are given to a solo cantor between which the congregation sings a very simple refrain: "Ecce panis angelorum." The verses are set to a chant-like melody All is accompanied by a simple organ part, although the entire piece could easily be sung a cappella. For variety, the verses could be sung alternately by several cantors, or by sections of a mixed choir, or even by various choirs (perhaps in different locations of the church).

Angela Birkhead-Flight is Music Director at Saint Martin of Tours Church in Cheviot, Ohio.