The Message of the Mass Melodies (Paperback or Softback)

Can you hear the message—full of strength and sweetness, rich in spiritual wisdom—proclaimed by the Gregorian chants of the Mass? Let this book be your guide!

With a sensitivity born of many years of meditation on the texts and melodies of the Church’s liturgy, Father Murrett shows how the chant of the Mass Propers is aptly expressive of the prayer it accompanies. The chant as sung and listened to with his meditative insights thus becomes the true vehicle of prayer it is meant to be. The book is in no way intended as a manual of technical interpretation; its sole aim is to help singers and choirmasters better understand and appreciate this precious art-form of the liturgy, and thereby to render it more prayerfully.

“As its very name implies, this book studies the Gregorian melodies of the Mass propers—or rather, not studies but meditates them. For the book is a prayerful examination of the texts and plainsong tunes of the Sunday propers, plus a few outstanding feasts, done by a missionary stationed in Japan. It is not a technical study, but an effort to appreciate the treasures hidden both in the Latin text and the ancient chant…. For every choirmaster this is most helpful, and while it will not supersede Dom Johner’s study [The Chants of the Vatican Gradual], it will surely supplement it to advantage. Because of precious insights, little but discerning remarks that can only have come from long and loving contemplation of these texts and tunes, the book is so fascinating that it is hard to put down…. Choirmasters and singers will want to read it often—read it, and keep it at their side for further conning.” —Francis A. Brunner, C.Ss.R., Caecilia, Winter 1965

John C. Murrett (1892–1971) was a Maryknoll priest and biographer, best known for his works on Father Thomas Frederick Price, the co-founder of the Maryknoll Missionaries, and for his life of Mother Demetrias, foundress and first mother superior of the Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart. At the time this work was published (1960), he was stationed at Kyoto.

John C. Murrett (1892-1971) was a Maryknoll priest and biographer, best known for his works on Father Thomas Frederick Price, the co-founder of the Maryknoll Missionaries, and for his life of Mother Demetrias, foundress and first mother superior of the Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart. At the time this work was published (1960), he was stationed at Kyoto.