Parishes and choirs across the diocese this Christmas season will learn beloved Italian hymn “Tu Scendi dalle Stelle” (From Starry Skies Descending).
The song, composed by St. Alphonsus Maria de Ligouri (1696-1787) in 1744, is traditionally sung at the conclusion of Midnight Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Luciano Lamonarca, an acclaimed award-winning Italian singer, launched an initiative last December to celebrate and preserve the song’s cultural and spiritual legacy.
Lamonarca’s project received the approval of Pope Leo, who blessed the initiative.
Bishop Earl Fernandes was named global ambassador. The bishop requested that all parishes and choirs in the Columbus diocese learn “Tu Scendi dalle Stelle” this year.
READ: Office of the Bishop_ Tu Scendi dalle Stelle
“The hymn highlights the Mystery of the Incarnation and the immense poverty of the Infant Jesus, a poverty which is surpassed by His immense love for us,” the bishop wrote in a letter to the diocese.
“I am asking that every parish and every choir learn and sing this remarkable hymn as part of its Christmas repertoire. The hymn may be sung throughout the Christmas season and even during Advent.”
Dr. Nicole Simental, director of music for Buckeye Catholic, provided video instructions for learning “Tu Scendi dale Stelle.”
“I am so grateful to have come across this hymn over the last couple of years and to dive deeper into the beauty of the text joined with the melody in preparing this video,” she said. “The text highlights the beauty and depth of the mystery of the Incarnation and the depth of God’s love for humanity.”
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St. Alphonsus was inspired to write “Tu Scendi dale Stelle” while staying near the Shrine of Santa Maria della Consolazione in Deliceto, located in Italy’s Purgia region. He visited the cave of Blessed Felice da Corsano, beneath the shrine, which resembled his vision of the Nativity.
The song emphasizes the humility and poverty of Jesus, demonstrated in Christ’s love for all humanity. Its many verses ponder truth and the image of the Incarnation, the Word made flesh.
“Musically, the lilting (rhythmic) melody reminds me almost as a lullaby to the baby Jesus. The initial descending melody beautifully paints the text, ‘You come down from the stars, Oh, King of heaven…,’” Simental said.
Her instructional recording of “Tu Scendi dalle Stelle” is available on the diocesan YouTube page. A recording of Lamonarca singing the hymn is also accessible on YouTube.
The Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles – a religious community of women including choral singers – recorded an English variation of the hymn, For Love Of Me.
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Bishop Fernandes, as global ambassador, will support an inaugural “Tu Scendi dalle Stelle” concert with Lamonarca in the Columbus diocese. The concert will be held Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at Columbus Sacred Heart Church. All are invited to attend.
For questions about the hymn, individuals should contact Simental at nsimental@buckeyecatholic.com.