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The Gradual is followed by the Alleluia; - or, if the season require it, by the Tract. The Alleluia is repeated after the manner of a Responsory; it is then followed by a Verse; which having been said, the Alleluia is sung a third time. This, by excellence, the chant of the praise of God, deserved to have a Place in the Mass. There is something so joyous, and, at the same time, so mysterious about it, that during penitential seasons, - that is, from Septuagesima to Easter, - it is not to be said.
During those Seasons, it is replaced by the Tract. The Tract takes up the attention of the Faithful during the time required for the several ceremonies, when the Deacon, after having asked the Priest’s blessing, goes in procession to the Ambo of the Gospel, and prepares to herald the Word of God. The Tract is composed, sometimes of an entire Psalm, or nearly so, - as we have for the first Sunday of Lent; but, generally, it gives only a few Verses. These Verses, which are sung to a rich and characteristic melody, follow each other without any refrain or repetition: and it is because of their being thus sung without any break, that they are called by this name of Tract.
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