Schola Cantorum Jubilate started the Paschal Triduum by animating the liturgy at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu. Mass started at 6pm and was officiated by the Rector Fr. Gerald Buhagiar. The church today commemorates the Lord’s Last Supper. It is celebrated in the evening because traditionally, the Passover starts with the family united in the first night for a special dinner. The choir performed the ‘Missa Cantate Domino’ (Oltrasi) and the sacred motets ‘Nos Autem Gloriari’ (Portelli) as introit.
This piece was recently composed for Schola Cantorum Jubilate and includes polyphony alternating with plain chant. Then ‘Ubi Caritas’ (Duruflé) during the washing of the apostles’ feet and ‘O Sacrum Convivium’ (Bartolucci) during the offerings were performed. The communion was animated by ‘O Salutaris Hostia’ (Bartolucci) and ‘Nadurawk ja Ħobż tas-Sema’ (Caruana). Stefan Attard sang the psalm ‘Il-kalċi imbierek huwa xirka mad-demm ta’ Kristu’. All pieces following the ‘Gloria’ were sung a cappella in four voices. Bartolucci’s compositions are two of the most beautiful pieces which really convey today’s commemoration. The mass ended with the procession of the Holy Eucharist to the altar of repose. In that instant, the Schola Cantorum performed ‘Pange Lingua’ (Gregorian Chant) and finally ‘Stay with me’. Jean Noel Attard accompanied the choir on the church organ during the first part of the liturgy.
