Q: The GIRM makes no mention of recessional or exit song. However, there is, in many places, the custom of a final song, which is more often a Marian song. I never understood why is it a Marian song, and from where is it coming. Is it because the mass is already ended and anything can be sung?
Given that liturgical songs are ritual songs, and the concluding rites of the Mass are about sending (mission): “Go forth, the Mass is ended”, “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord”, “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.”, Would it not be appropriate, if ever there is a desire to sing a final song, to sing one that is about being sent or about mission.
Your insight is most welcome.
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A: Here’s a previous post: https://paulturner.org/closing-hymn/
I’m unfamiliar with the custom of singing a Marian song at the end of Mass, but maybe that is more common in your part of Africa than in my part of North America.
If a song is desired, your guidance is good. It could also be a song of the feast or time of year. Advent and Christmas, for example, both have so many lovely hymns that it’s hard to fit them into the season without singing something at the end of Mass.

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