In the old liturgical calendar, the three Sundays before Ash Wednesday were known as the Gesima Sundays. These are Septuagesima, Sexagesima and Quinquagesima, marking seventy, sixty and fifty days respectively before Easter. Before Vatican II these were liturgically marked by the priest donning purple vestments. The Gloria and Alleluia were suppressed. The Gospels readings still reflect this Pre-Lenten reality.

Musically we will recognize this season in the following manner: For the next two Sundays in English we will sing the Missa Primitiva found on pages 35, 36 and 37 in the Hymnal. For Quinquagesima we will sing the same Mass settings in Latin found on pages 38, 39 and 40.

This setting of the Mass is very solemn and fitting as we approach Lent. The Second Vatican Council was quite clear and specific that Latin is to be retained as the official language of the Mass. By singing the Mass ordinary in Latin we are obedient to the desires of the Council.

Pax.
~John Donovan, Music Director