Exsultet

[old barmaid]

What are the current rules regarding paraphrases? We did not have the Exultet but were short-changed with a versification to the tune of 'Christ be our light.' First verese as follows:
PRIEST. This is the night of new beginnings.
This is the night when heaven meets earth.
This is the night filled with god's glory,
Promise of our new birth.

Five verses in total. People singing the 'Christ is our light' refrain between each.
What is the origin of this ditty? Has anyone else any experience of it ? Is it I.C.E.L. approved?

[VML]

We used this after Communion at the Vigil, and as the people know the tune well, they gave it some energy. I heard it first four years ago, but it wasn't used instead of the Exsultet then either. It does have some of the theme of it, but could not in any way replace that magnificent proclamation.

[docmattc]

We used it too as a hymn during the prep of the gifts, reinforcing the themes in the exsultet. Its written by Bernadette Farrell and published by OCP. I agree that it isn't a substitute for the proper text which should be heard in its entirety. If not sung, proclaimed properly in speech (rather than read without expression!)

[docmattc]

If we're going to be picky about it, the Exsultet isn't a congregational text. It belongs properly to the Deacon, but otherwise a priest or a cantor if neither of these can sing. Congregational acclamations may be added (they are in the one I use) but should the whole text, no matter how paraphrased be sung by the congregation?

That said, none of us here are aware of the pastoral considerations in OB's parish. I'm a firm believer that the rubrics are there to serve the liturgy, they are not to be used to bludgeon those who stray from them.