O Magnum Mysterium

O magnum mysterium is a responsorial chant from the Matins of Christmas that tells of the mystery of the birth of Christ, one of the greatest celebrations in Christian tradition. It is one of the first works I wrote for choir.

O magnum mysterium,

et admirabile sacramentum,

ut animalia viderent

Dominus natum,

jacentem in praesepio.

O beata Virgo,

cuius viscera meruerunt portare

Dominum Iesum Christum.

Alleluia, alleluia.

O great mystery
and wonderful sacrament,
that animals should see the new-born Lord
lying in a manger!
O blessed is the Virgin, whose womb
was worthy to bear Christ the Lord.
Alleluia!