Gregorian Chant: The Eternal Song
By Sr. Fidelis
Easter 2
The second Sunday of Easter is full of spiritual meaning and has been given several different names over the centuries. It is known as “Low Sunday”, because it finishes the Octave of Easter. It is also known as “Quasi modo Sunday.” This immediately brings to mind Victor Hugo’s protagonist in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, but the name is actually taken from the first words of the Introit for that day! 1 Peter 2:2, reads: “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word.”
This is a word to those newly baptized on Easter Eve. The introit is a simple chant in Mode 6, punctuated with Alleluias. “St. Thomas Sunday” is also a name given to the day, perhaps because the Communion for that day is Mitte manum, Jesus’ words to Thomas: “Place your hand in my side and be not faithless but believing.”
There is such a connection between the chant and the liturgy! These well-known melodies actually helped to identify the day.
