The origins of liturgical music traditionally date back to St. Gregory the Great (d. 604), who was inspired by the Holy Dove to record the principles of 'Gregorian' chant. The Gradual contained the musical parts of the Missal and was sung from the steps (gradus) of the altar. The Antiphoner contained the musical sections of the Breviary. These terms have become interchangeable in modern times. Because of their size and complexity, these manuscripts were still being handmade in the traditional way for centuries after the introduction of printing. They were boldly hand-written and illuminated on large sheets of sturdy vellum so that the entire choir could read from one book.

This sheet of vellum is part of a Mass for the Holy Spirit. The sheet has two decorative capital letters illuminated in red, yellow and gold, as well as a decorative border on recto in red, yellow, blue and gold. Beginning with the large "D" on recto, the text includes Romans 15:13 and part of Ephesios 5, which translates as:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs
Always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Condition: A

Light soiling along the edges of the sheet.