*Lyrics and translation included in "Downloads"
TRACKS
AUREA LUCE
LUCE begins with a stirring hymn in honor of St. Peter and St. Paul, traditionally sung for Vespers on June 29th, the shared feast of the great saints. In this Jubilee year of 2025, the Pope encourages the faithful to make pilgrimage to Rome, and so we pay homage to the two patron saints of Rome, who were both martyred in the Eternal City. Peter, the “Gatekeeper of Heaven”, who will greet us at the end of our pilgrimage on this earth, is a symbol of hope in our eternal destination. Paul, the “Teacher of the World”, perfectly embodied all that it means to renounce ourselves, repent, pursue holiness, and spread the love of Christ to all the world. The theme of the Jubilee year is “Pilgrims of Hope”, and who manifests this hope in Christ more evidently than the apostles by whose blood Rome was “dyed purple”?
DIEI LUCE REDDITA
Sung in the Divine Office for Lauds in the early morning, usually prior to the break of day, Diei Luce Reddita invites the faithful to raise our voices in praise of the Creator of all things, Who is the reason why day follows night. Whether it is day or night, Christ is our eternal light, the author of nature, and the One who will draw all things to Himself. The final verse calls us into that great work, that “we may continually lead all things to Christ, pleasing him throughout this day while filled with the Holy Spirit.”
LUCE DIVINA RUTILANTIS AULÆ
This affectionate hymn, sung on the Feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, sings sweetly the praises of “the Little Flower of Jesus.” Upon her death bed, St. Thérèse promised that there would be a “shower of roses” from heaven (imbre rosarum), symbolizing the graces of her intercession in response to prayers of supplication—a succor for us pilgrims as we walk amongst the thorns of this fallen world.
QUI LUCE SPLENDES ORDINIS
A powerful meditation on the great apostle Thomas, this hymn gives due honor to Thomas’ notorious doubt. Rather than holding his incredulity against him, the anonymous author of the chant sees it as arising from the righteous anguish of love, and praises his action as a catalyst for our own faith: “And for us, who did not see, through you, faith becomes keener, and stronger becomes the ardor with which we seek Christ’s love.”
LUX DE LUCE (Antiphon and Psalm 119)
The final piece pays homage to the Magi, who are in some way the very first pilgrims, and therefore a model to all of us who journey through this vale of tears. The antiphon and psalm remind us that Christ is truly here with us in the midst of this pilgrimage, and calls us to walk in the ways of the Lord and to meditate upon His law, that we may be transformed in Him on the way, and be blessed in meeting Him upon arrival at our destination.