The Notre Dame Magnificat Choir regularly sings the Saturday Vigil Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. We share our musical offerings with one another, our alumnae, and the public via this RU-vid Channel. For more information, please go to magnificatchoir.nd.edu.
With some help in this case from the Anglican Communion-for the beautiful hymn (words by William Chatterton Dix, melody by Rowland Huw Pritchard) is Anglican (no. 460 in the 1982 Hymnal of the Episcopal Church).
This hymn was first performed on Holy Saturday 1931 at Knute Rockne’s funeral mass in Sacred Heart Basilica on campus. Approx 90 radio affiliates across the country broadcast the funeral of “America’s coach” live for all to hear. Rockne had just won back to back national championships & was on his way to Calif to make a documentary when the tragedy occurred, After the mass, this wonderful hymn, composed by ND band director Joseph Casasanta with lyrics by university Pres. O’Donnell was made the official Alma Mater of the university. Still today, it is traditionally performed in the basilica just prior to the exit hymn. Love Thee, Notre Dame!
