CHANTING THE RESPONSORIAL PSALMS

Responsorial Psalms are an integral part of the Liturgy of the Word and holds great liturgical and pastoral importance, fostering meditation on the Word of God. There is a certain musical quality in the Psalms that determines the correct way of chanting them. Therefore, though the Psalms may be recited because of their literary character, their musical character should not be overlooked.

Keeping in mind all the sacred teachings, practices and traditions of the Catholic Church, Michael Perianayagam has arranged these polyphonic responses in chant form, ‘the paradigm of sacred music’.

This book includes 261 Responsorial Psalms meant for three liturgical years including the vigil masses during the year, 70 Responsorial Psalms intended for important ‘Proper of Saints’ with a special focus on all Indian saints as of 2020, 13 Responsorial Psalms for Ritual Masses (sacraments and religious profession), and 9 Responsorial Psalms for Masses for various needs and occasions.

The texts of the Responsorial Psalms are taken from the Lectionary published by The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India, February 2020 (English Standard Version– Catholic Edition (ESVCE) with the Abbey Grail Psalms and Canticles). The author has painstakingly fine-tuned and revised his work according to the new Lectionary.

This book will be of immense value not only for us in India but for the universal Church, recommended to be used in all English Liturgies in different parishes and in the seminaries and houses of formation across the country.