Liturgy songs from the Magnificate for September 2026

In September 2026, the Liturgical Hymns from Magnificat will feature a selection of hymns designed for worship throughout the month. These hymns have been chosen in collaboration with the Institute for Church Music, offering both traditional and contemporary interpretations of liturgical texts. The calendar of Sundays and feast days for September can be found online, providing guidance for congregational singing during Mass. A new antiphon or hymn has been selected for the month, dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, whose feast day falls on September 29th. This hymn is inspired by a well-known prayer in honor of Saint Michael and encourages worshippers to memorize and recite it at various times of devotion. Historical references suggest that earlier generations of faithful often recited such prayers during specific liturgical moments, though exact practices vary. The Institute for Church Music has arranged a free seminar for church musicians and interested individuals on September 5th, hosted at the Theological Faculty. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops, meet fellow musicians, and attend evening services held in the cathedral. The event is open to all who are interested in the content of liturgical singing, not just professional musicians. Further information and registration details are available through the official website of the Institute for Church Music. On September 6th, which marks the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, the hymn “Danes ne zakrknite svojih src” (Psalm 95) will be sung during the readings. A recording of this hymn, composed by Marjan Grdadolnik, is available online along with its musical notation. The text encourages openness of heart and reverence before God. An alternative version of the hymn, based on a melody by Đura Tomić, includes the lines “O Bog, kakor jelen hrepeni po studencu, tako koprni moja duša po tebi,” which expresses deep longing for divine presence. On September 13th, the 24th Sunday after Pentecost, the hymn “Usmiljen in milostljiv je Gospod” (Psalm 103) will be used. A monophonic arrangement of this hymn, composed by Matej Tomc, is included in Magnificat 9/2026 on page 161, while polyphonic notes are available separately. On September 20th, the 25th Sunday after Pentecost, the hymn “Blizu je Gospod vsem, ki ga kličejo” (Psalm 145) will be sung. A monophonic version of this hymn, composed by Ljubomir Galetić, is also listed in Magnificat 9/2026 on page 258. September 27th, the 26th Sunday after Pentecost, features the hymn “Spomni se, Gospod, svojega usmiljenja” (Psalm 25). A monophonic arrangement of this hymn, composed by Katarina Vidmar, appears in Magnificat 9/2026 on page 329. Polyphonic notes for this hymn are published in the book Glej, prihajam, edited by Ljubljana in 2022, specifically on page 81. A recording of the hymn is also available online for reference. On September 29th, the feast day of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, the hymn “Gospod, vpričo angelov ti bom prepeval” (Psalm 138) will be sung. A monophonic arrangement of this hymn, composed by Aleš Makovec, is accessible via the online platform. Additional hymns for weekday and festival readings are also featured in Magnificat, offering a comprehensive resource for liturgical singing throughout the month. The publication Magnificat, a widely respected international journal for liturgical music, continues to provide valuable resources for church communities worldwide. Its editor, Dr. Miran Špelič OFM, ensures that each issue reflects the latest developments in liturgical practice and musical tradition. The journal is published by the Family d.o.o., located at Krekov trg 1, Ljubljana, Slovenia.