Chants of the Vatican Graduale - MusicaSacra

486 The Dedication of a Church
cdc bears some rhythmic similarity to iste in the first phrase with its
faff ed. At the same time there is a tendency toward a cadence, which
in other melodies of the second mode, for example, in the Introit for the
first Mass of Christmas over meus es tu, is made to stand out in sharper
relief by means of e, which has the quality of a leading note. With its
ecac cdf the third phrase reminds us of terribilis est of the first phrase,
while at the same time it has a pressus in common with the second
phrase. Thus the words domus Dei and aula Dei are given prominence.
Is the whole to be sung with gentle modulations, or should the accents
be strong, almost violent? The former interpretation has the
greater appeal. The twofold tristropha would then graphically describe
the singer's trembling and awe for the mysteries of the Catholic house
of prayer. 1
GRADUAL
1. Locus iste a Deo factus est, 1. This place has been made by
inaestimabile sacramentum, 2. irre- God; it is a mystery beyond measure,
prehensibilis est. f. 1. Deus, cut 2. it is free from all stain. $.1.0
adstat Angelorum chorus, 2. ex- God, before whom the choir of angels
audi preces servorum tuorum. stands, 2. give ear to the prayers of
thy servants.
God has traced the plans of the Catholic Church; He has created
its atmosphere and given it that supernatural strength from which its
faithful can so liberally draw. These attributes are as true and real as
they are mysterious; their consequences we see realized in the lives of
the saints. Each church is a mystery, a Sacramentum; in it most of the
sacraments are also administered. No one can rightly define it nor rightly
estimate its value. In its very essence it shows forth the universal Church,
the Communion of Saints, the city of God in heaven, the Bride of Christ
for whom He has sacrificed Himself, that she might be glorious, without
spot or wrinkle (irreprehensibilis).
The "mystery beyond measure" which makes up the Church, has
been unveiled to some extent in the Epistle. The Church is a holy city;
she has come as a heavenly bride celebrating her espousals with Christ,
the Bridegroom, in the mystery of the Mass. There God comes to us
and takes up His abode among us; He becomes our God.
As mysterious as it is real, the entire drama is but an anticipation
and preparation for the eternal wedding feast in heaven. Then God shall
wipe away all tears and in His everlasting kingdom make all things new.
K. K., 23, 116 ff.