The timelessness of the Easter Sequence lives on despite world-changing diseases that have occurred throughout the centuries. Coronavirus isn’t the first and probably won’t be the last. Easter may not seem like quite the celebration this year, but CHRIST IS RISEN! That fact does not change. Enjoy this day however you can!
On Easter Sunday, I am always astounded when I hear the Sequence sung – each and every time. It absolutely amazes me how simplistic, reverent, and sublime this ancient chant is (below). To think that THIS is how Easter was felt and thought about in the early Church – such a somber version compared to our Easter bunny who hides decorated eggs, to all of the pink ruffles on dresses and multi-colored candy in the stores. No, the early Church did not celebrate this way. And yes, they could have celebrated more joyfully in accord with their own musical traditions, but this is what has survived for centuries. (Maybe we should take note this year and not be upset by our less-than-normal Easter celebration!)
English (ICEL version)
Christians, to the Paschal Victim
offer sacrifice and praise.
The sheep are ransomed by the Lamb;
and Christ, the undefiled,
hath sinners to his Father reconciled.
Death with life contended:
combat strangely ended!
Life's own Champion, slain,
yet lives to reign.
Tell us, Mary: say
what thou didst see upon the way.
The tomb the Living did enclose;
I saw Christ's glory as He rose!
The angels there attesting;
shroud with grave-clothes resting.
Christ, my hope, has risen:
He goes before you into Galilee.
That Christ is truly risen
from the dead we know.
Victorious King, Thy mercy show!
Amen.
Latin
Victimae paschali laudes
Immolent Christiani.
Agnus redemit oves:
Christus innocens Patri
Reconciliavit peccatores.
Mors et vita duello
Conflixere mirando:
Dux vitae mortuus,
Regnat vivus.
Dic nobis Maria,
Quid vidisti in via?
Sepulcrum Christi viventis,
Et gloriam vidi resurgentis:
Angelicos testes,
sudarium, et vestes.
Surrexit Christus spes mea:
Praecedet suos in Galilaeam.
Scimus Christum surrexisse
A mortuis vere:
Tu nobis, victor Rex, miserere.
Amen.
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A beautiful recording by a group of Benedictine monks in France can be heard here.
And here’s a wonderful recording of the ultimate Easter song by Handel.
Wait, here’s another! ‘Christus Vincit, Christus Regnat, Christus Imperat!’ This title for Christ has been imprinted throughout Rome in statues, churches and everywhere else!
Happy Easter to all!