Alma Redemptoris Mater was written by Herman Contractus (Herman the Cripple) (1013-1054). It is mentioned in The Prioress’ Tale in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, an indication of its popularity in England before the Reformation. It is composed from phrases taken from the writings of Sts. Fulgentius, Epiphanius, and Irenaeus. At one time Alma Redemptoris Mater was used as an antiphon for the hour of Sext for the feast of the Assumption, but since the 13th century it has been a part of Compline or Night Prayer. It used to be recited only from the first Sunday in Advent until the Feast of the Purification (Feb. 2), but with the revision of the Liturgy of the Hours, it can be recited anytime during the year. A version of the traditional prayers which follow it, not part of the original prayer, are included here.
This setting of the antiphon is by Palestrina and it is intoned by Tommy Smith and sung by The St Mungo Singers.
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Alma Redemptoris Mater,
quae pervia caeli Porta manes,
et stella maris,
succurre cadenti,
Surgere qui curat, populo:
tu quae genuisti,
Natura mirante,
tuum sanctum Genitorem
Virgo prius ac posterius,
Gabrielis ab ore Sumens illud Ave,
peccatorum miserere.
Pour forth we beseech thee, O Lord,
thy grace into our hearts,
that we to whom the incarnation of Christ thy Son
was made known by the message of an angel,
may by his passion and cross
be brought to the glory of his resurrection
through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.