This edition was prepared by Éric Leroy — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Jerusalem et Sion filiæ
Staff Notation • Sacred, Sequence hymns
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Jerusalem et Sion filiæ by Anonymous — Lyrics
1. Jerúsalem et Sion fíliæ,
Cœtus omnis fidélis cúriæ,
Melos pangant jugis lætítiæ.
Allelúia.
2. Christus enim norma justítiæ
Matrem nostram despónsat hódie,
Quam de lacu traxit misériæ
Ecclésiam.
3. Hanc sánguinis et aquæ múnere,
Dum pénderet in crucis árbore,
De próprio prodúxit látere
Deus homo.
4. Formarétur ut sic Ecclésia,
Figurátur in prima fémina,
Quæ de costis Adæ est édita
Mater Eva.
5. Eva fuit novérca pósteris ;
Hæc est mater elécti géneris,
Vitæ portus, ásylum míseris,
Et tutéla.
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About Jerusalem et Sion filiæ
This setting of the Latin sequence Jerusalem et Sion filiæ is by an anonymous composer, likely from the medieval period. As a sequence hymn, it was traditionally sung in the Mass before the Gospel reading. The text celebrates the Church as the bride of Christ, formed from his side on the cross, just as Eve was formed from Adam's rib. It contrasts Eve's role as a 'stepmother' to humanity with the Church's role as the 'mother of the elect', a refuge and protection for all. The SATB voicing would have lent itself to a rich, polyphonic rendition, common in sacred music of the era, enhancing the theological imagery of spiritual union and salvation.
The hymn's jubilant Alleluia refrain underscores the joyful nature of the text, which describes the solemn feast day marking the union of Christ and the Church. The anonymous composer's work invites a performance that reflects this solemnity and celebration, employing the full vocal range of the choir to convey the profound theological statements about the Church's divine origins and redemptive mission.
