impropera

Impropera, also known as the Reproaches, are a set of antiphons and prayers from the Good Friday liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church. They are sung or recited after the reading of the Passion and before the Veneration of the Cross. The impropera are a dramatic and evocative part of the Good Friday service, designed to remind the faithful of Christ's suffering and the sins that caused it.

The text of the impropera centers on God's lament and reproach to his people for their ingratitude and betrayal. It begins with God addressing Israel, listing his past kindnesses, such as leading them out of Egypt, providing for them in the desert, and giving them a promised land. The text then contrasts these acts of love with the actions of the people, accusing them of crucifying their Savior. The central theme is the pain and sorrow God experiences due to humanity's sin.

The impropera are typically sung to a somber and moving melody. Often, during the recitation or singing, the clergy will process to the altar and then turn to face the congregation, as if directly addressing them with God's words. In some traditions, the refrain "Popule meus, quid feci tibi?" (My people, what have I done to you?) is sung repeatedly, interspersed with the specific accusations. The impropera serve as a poignant reflection on the sacrificial love of Christ and a call to repentance on Good Friday.