E SACRIFICE OF THE MASS

CHAPTER the NINTH.
THE GRADUAL, ALLELUIA, TRACT,
AND SEQUENCE.
THE Gradual is called from gradus, a step, because it
was formerly sung as the deacon ascended the steps of
the ambo to chant the Gospel. The Gradual is also
called responsory. The first part was called responsorium
as an answer to the Epistle, the second versus. The
Gradual represents a verse or two of psalms once sung
all through. Sometimes the Gradual is the Church s
own composition and not taken from Scripture, as in the
feast of the Seven Dolours. The first part of the Gradual
in Requiem Masses is also composed by the Church.
The force and meaning of the Gradual is clearly
seen when we remember that the Gradual is closely and
intimately connected with three other portions of the
Mass, the Introit, Offertory, and Communion. (See
the Mass for the First Sunday in Lent, the Mass for
the Holy Innocents and Angel Guardians, the Common
for Bishop and Confessor, &c.) The Introit, Gradual,
Offertory, and Communion are variable and were once
always sung.
The Gradual is seldom said or sung alone. The Alleluia
verse, as it is called, is generally added to the Gradual
throughout the year. This verse consists of two A lleluias,