Normally, during the Mass, the Gradual is followed by the Alleluia. But since we are avoiding the word Alleluia during Septuagesima and Lent, in place of the Alleluia, we will sing the Tract.
Generally speaking, certain melodies are repeated within each Tract, some of which are quite long. And the same melodies are used for the tracts each Sunday. So, the melodies will seem familiar to you, and will evoke Septuagesima Seasons of the past and call to mind the penitential character of the Season.Once again, the priest will be wearing purple, but it’s not yet time for Mass XVII. We will be singing Mass XI, but we will sing it without its Gloria, which is also suppressed during Septuagesima and Lent. Though it is not required, we usually sing Credo I with Mass XI, just because they go together nicely.