What makes the St. Michael Hymnal unique?
The St. Michael Hymnal is the only Catholic hymnal in this country that includes the entire contents of “Jubilate Deo,” the collection of Gregorian chant that Pope Paul VI sent to all bishops in 1976, asking that they be preserved. Furthermore, as much as possible, the Hymnal retains the original language of the hymns. There are many pre-Vatican II hymns, as well as many excellent contemporary pieces, including “O God Beyond All Praising” (THAXTED), and a new musical setting of Cardinal Newman’s “Firmly I Believe.” In fact, the St. Michael Hymnal is the only existing hymnal that includes the new Newman setting. The music was composed by an Anglican canon, and it is superior. There are also several Taiz pieces, and other well-loved post-Vatican II hymns. We believe that it is very usable in a parish that would like, without moving precipitously, to reclaim and restore some of the traditional music of the Church.
