In manus tuas (2nd setting)

These profound words, 'Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit,' from Psalm 31, are here set by John Sheppard in a powerful second setting. The text, drawn from the Vulgate, speaks of complete trust and surrender, reflecting a deep personal faith at the moment of death. Sheppard’s masterful arrangement for TTBB or TTBarB voices imbues the sacred Latin text with a solemn gravitas, allowing the harmonic richness to underscore the poignant plea. For Roman Catholic tradition, the optional addition of the invocation 'Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us' offers a further layer of intercession and comfort, making this responsory a moving contemplation of spiritual devotion and ultimate peace.