Accompaniment
English Organ & Choir Chords Spanish - Organ - Chords Chant - Pending
Overview
A Catholic Trilingual Hymnal is the first truly integrated Catholic hymnal that unites the richness of English, Spanish, and Latin in one beautifully designed, easy-to-use volume.
Created for parishes, schools, and multicultural communities, this hymnal makes it possible for everyone to pray and sing together as one Church, no matter which language they speak.
It combines the complete contents of three acclaimed hymnals:
A Catholic Book of Hymns (English)
Manual de Cantos Religiosos (Spanish)
A Catholic Book of Gregorian Chants (Latin)
All three share an identical numbering system, allowing musicians, choirs, and congregations to follow along seamlessly—across languages and editions.
Purpose and Vision
The Trilingual Hymnal was created to:
Unite bilingual and multicultural parishes under a single, inclusive hymnal.
Preserve sacred tradition at all Masses by featuring the Latin chants that form the heart of Catholic worship.
Simplify planning for clergy and musicians through consistent layout and numbering.
Encourage participation with music that is familiar, timeless, and truly singable by all.
It answers a question common in so many parishes today:
“How can we worship together in English, Spanish, and Latin—without switching books?”
Now you can—with one hymnal.
Structure of the Hymnal
1. The English Hymnal
Based on A Catholic Book of Hymns
295 beloved traditional hymns.
Texts and tunes chosen for a copyright-free, enduring repertoire.
In this edition Hymns presented in unison (melody only) to reduce book weight and enhance congregational participation.
Includes traditional hymns but also familiar selections from more recent Catholic hymnals for an easy and natural transition.
2. The Spanish Hymnal
Based on Manual de Cantos Religiosos
A curated collection of traditional devotional hymns from Mexico and Latin America.
Faithful melodies preserved in their original beauty—never modernized into pop styles.
Includes hymns for processions, Marian devotions, Eucharistic adoration, and liturgical seasons.
Features the 1959 pre-Vatican II Imprimatur, affirming its authenticity and orthodoxy.
3. The Chant Hymnal (Latin)
Based on A Catholic Book of Gregorian Chant
Includes the Kyriale Ordinarium, the core Mass chants sung by the people.
Key Latin hymns such as Ave Maria, Tantum Ergo, and Adoro Te Devote.
In this edition modernized stemless round note notation for easier reading while maintaining traditional chant style.
(All other Sacred Music Library hymnals use historic square notation.)
English translations accompany each chant for understanding and participation.
Design and Usability
Consistent numbering system across all Sacred Music Library hymnals and accompaniment editions.
Readable typography and layout, comfortable to hold and sing from.
Hardbound hymnals printed on heavy opaque white paper with Smyth-sewn binding for long-lasting durability.
Available in hardbound editions (some sample copies appear in paperback).
Matching organ, choir, and chord accompaniment books available.
“Every hymn, every chant, and every page is designed to help the faithful pray twice—through singing.”
One Practical Application
- Sing the simple 402 Kyrie at all Masses, eventually adding the 404 Agnus Dei, the 403 Sanctus and finally the 405 Ite, missa est.
- A Spanish entrance hymn, offertory hymn and communion hymn at Spanish Masses.
- Sing English hymns at the same places at English Masses
- Then add 659 Oh Maria - a hymn to Mary at the end of the Mass for all Masses (it is a simple Chorus for the congregation)
The next time the Bishop appears at Mass, sing two hymns in English and one in Spanish then conclude with Oh Maria.
A Hymnal for One Church
A Catholic Trilingual Hymnal reminds us that:
Our faith is universal.
Our music unites us.
Our voices together proclaim timeless truth.
This hymnal brings that truth to life in three languages—so that every voice, in every parish, may join in one prayer.