As well as being something of beauty to lovers of music, Magnus Sanctus Paulus may be used as a meditation on the great saint in words and music. The Holy Father emphasized that the Pauline year will be ecumenical, reflecting St. Paul’s commitment to the unity and harmony among all Christians. It is for this reason that there is a wide range of music on the CD, including music representing the Orthodox, Anglican and Wesleyan traditions as well as Roman Catholic. Of particular note is a verse anthem of a Collect for the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, written by William Smith of Durham, which had not been performed since approximately 1690!

TRACK LIST

[1] Hymn O Fathers of our ancient faith;
[2] Introduction by Bishop Bernard Longley;
[3] Introit Scio cui crédidi
[4] Reading Acts 22:6-16 (Conversion of St Paul);
[5] Anthem (Collect) O God, which as taught;
[6] Reading 2 Cor 1:3-7 (Paul's Thanksgiving);
[7] Hymn Be thou my vision;
[8] Reading Gal 1:11-16 (Paul's vindication of his apostleship);
[9] Alleluia verse Magnus sanctus Paulus;
[10] Reading Rom 6:20-23 (Slaves of righteousness);
[11] Hymn Apostle of the gentiles;
[12] Reading Eph 1:3-10 (Spiritual blessings in Christ);
[13] Hymn What fairer light is this;
[14] Reading I Cor 13:1-13 (Gift of love);
[15] Chant If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels;
[16] Reading Phil 4:4-9 (Exhortation to rejoice);
[17] Verse Anthem Rejoice in the Lord alway (Purcell);
[18] Reading Eph 6:10-17 (The whole armour of God);
[19] Hymn Fight the good fight;
[20] Reading Eph 2:17-22 (One in Christ);
[21] Communion Verse Signa eos;
[22] Reading Phil 1:3-11 (Paul's prayer for the Philippians);
[23] Plainsong Gradual In omnem terra;
[24] Reading Phil 3:1, 7-17 (Pressing towards the goal);
[25] Chant Litany to St Paul;
[26] Reading Col 3:12-17 (New life in Christ);
[27] Hymn With golden splendour;
[28] Reading I Thes 4:13-18 (The coming of the Lord);
[29] Plainsong Hymn Aurea luce;
[30] Reading Titus 2:11-15 (The grace of God);
[31] Hymn Paul, 'tis the end;
[32] Reading Extract from the Sermon of St Augustine, Sermon 299A:6 (When God awards a crown to Paul's merits, he is rewarding his own gifts);
[33] Hymn And can it be;
[34] Reading Concluding Prayer;
[35] Hymn Forth in the peace of Christ I go.