Ascension Sunday -- Canticorum Iubilo

19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. (Mark 16:19)


Today is Ascension Sunday commemorating the time of the Lord's ascension into heaven after 40 days of appearing to his disciples and performing miracles and signs to them. They say that this is the end of his mission--on Earth. But his mission continued in the lives of the disciples and the saints. In our own small way, we can also be living witnesses of Christ's teaching by loving one another as Christ has loved us.

While at Mass, the choir sang a song that I knew was originally written in Latin. They sang it in English. Honestly, I'd rather hear it sung in its original Latin verse. There are some English translated songs that are not entirely faithful to its original text. But more than that, I think the Latin text is much better synched with its music and musical lines compared to when you sing the song in English. The song I am referring to is Canticorum Iubilo (i.e. Let Us Sing With Joy!). It is a song that honors Christ as our King. It is a fitting opening song for today's Holy Mass. Here is the song in its Latin verse and faithful English translation.

CANTICORUM

Canticorum jubilo
Regi magno psalite

Jamresultent musica
Unda tellus sidera

Canticorum jubilo
Regi magno psalite

Personantes organis
Iubilate, plaudite

Canticorum jubilo
Regi magno psalite

 

English Translation
Let us sing aloud! Play for our reigning King!
Let the music now strikes sharp as a spear coming from on high.
Let us sing aloud! Play for our reigning King!
Let each one play his own instrument and burst aloud in praises.
Let us sing aloud! Play for our reigning King!