Howells had begun composition with his setting of the poem "Hymnus circa exsequies defuncti" of Prudentius.
The Improperia appear in the Pontificale of Prudentius (846-61) and gradually came into use throughout Europe in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, finally being incorporated into the Roman Ordo in the fourteenth century.
The place of his birth is uncertain, but it may have been Caesaraugusta (Saragossa), Tarraco (Tarragona), or Calagurris (Calahorra).
The processional hymns include "Of the Father's Heart Begotten" (Corde natus ex parentis, by Prudentius), "Ride on! ride on in majesty!" (by H. H. Milman), "Hail thee, Festival Day!" (Salve, festa dies, by Venantius Fortunatus) and "Jerusalem, my happy home" (by F.B.P. c. 1580).
Prudentius Maran (b. 14 October 1683, at Sezanne, Marne; d. 2 April 1762, at Paris) was a French Benedictine scholar of the Maurist Congregation, known as a patrologist.
Quicumque Christum Quærtis is the opening line of the twelfth and last poem in the "Cathemerinon" of Prudentius.