Psalm For Easter Day

Easter Sunday morning in the choir loft calls for music that captures the absolute triumph of the Resurrection, and this setting delivers exactly that. Richard Proulx’s arrangement pairs the appointed Responsorial Psalm for Easter Day with the beloved hymn "O Sons and Daughters," unifying them under the ancient, hauntingly beautiful 14th-century French melody *O Filii et Filiae*. It is a brilliant way to tie the Liturgy of the Word together, moving seamlessly from the psalmist's joyful declaration into a narrative hymn of Christ's victory over death.

The psalm section opens with the familiar, jubilant refrain, "This is the day the Lord has made," inviting the entire congregation to join in the gladness of the feast. As the choir takes up the verses, we sing of the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone and the Lord's right hand raising us up. The melody’s chant-like roots give these scriptural words a grounded, historic weight that feels incredibly appropriate for the holiest day of the church year.

Following the psalm, the score flows into the strophic verses of "O Sons and Daughters." Here, the choir recounts the Easter story step by step—from the faithful women at the tomb to the angel's message, and finally to Christ's appearance to a doubting Thomas. Punctuated by the triple "Alleluia" refrain, this piece offers a rich, continuous thread of worship that carries the faithful through the joy and mystery of the Resurrection.