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Corpus Christi Watershed

Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

The Verge Of The Abyss

Aurelio Porfiri · January 12, 2015

457 Aurelio Porfiri THINK WE SHOULD REALLY be honest with one another: church music is on the verge of the abyss. And so it is with liturgy. I am not saying this to appear pessimistic, traditionalist, conservative, or whatever word you want to use with negative meaning (even if these words are not negative at all, in the right context)—I just think it to be realistic.

Church music is mostly coming to an end, if we consider church music to be the kind that is conceived using the best of musical abilities, of composers trained in the tradition of the Catholic Church’s liturgical music. Music that, of course, can be (and has to be) innovative but always developing organically from the musical forms of the tradition. Hey, this is not a traditionalist statement! It’s right out of Sacrosanctum Concilium (23): “and care must be taken that any new forms adopted should in some way grow organically from forms already existing.”

Today everyone can rule over those who are unfortunate, yet still strive to take church music seriously: every catechist, every priest, every nun can teach you what they don’t know. All of these people usually have something in common that is very important: they are completely ignorant about liturgical music, but feel encouraged (from a mysterious spirit) to use their ignorance for the greater glory of God and the edification of the faithful. And of course they use the art of demagogy and political correctness in a way that puts some timid church musicians in an uncomfortable position.

FELLOW CHURCH MUSICIANS, let me tell you wholeheartedly: rejoice and be glad! We are on the verge of the abyss, because we prefer to stand for what we trust than to bow to the messengers of ugliness—to poor people thinking they are making some good when they are actually building the greatest evil: the triumph of mediocrity. There are still a few catechists, priests, and nuns who attempt to resist this triumphal march toward nothing, and they also will share our fate of solitude and isolation. Of course, there are also church musicians who are close minded, arrogant, and self-isolating, in the same way that there are medical doctors who are close minded, arrogant, and self-isolating. But if you need an opinion about your health you would still ask them rather than those who are not trained in medicine. We church musicians are not in the same situation: everyone can decide what music can be sung in the liturgy, following their distorted ideas and tastes and being sure that they can invoke the Council providing that they only know a few lines of the documents…and that is in the best cases.

Fellow church musicians, rejoice and be glad! We are trailed toward the abyss because we want to remain Catholics but at least we know where we are going. Thanks to this, we will be able to taste every good moment that God allows us in the midst of the battle, having a grateful heart and invoking a peaceful spirit.

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Aurelio Porfiri

Renowned as composer, conductor, theorist, author, pedagogue, and organist, Aurelio Porfiri has served the Church on multiple continents at the highest levels. Born and raised in Italy, he currently serves as Director of Choral Activities and Composer in Residence for Santa Rosa de Lima School (Macao, China).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    New Bulletin Article • “14 September 2025”
    My pastor requested that I write short articles each week for our parish bulletin. Those responsible for preparing similar write-ups may find a bit of inspiration in these brief columns. The latest article (dated 14 September 2025) discusses OFFERTORY ANTIPHONS and contains a wonderful quote by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • Draft Copy (Pamphlet)
    A few days ago, I posted a draft copy of this 12-page pamphlet with citations about the laity’s “full, conscious, and active participation.” Its basic point or message is that choir directors should never feel embarrassed to teach real choral music because Vatican II explicitly ordered them to do that! We’ve received tons of mail regarding that pamphlet, with many excellent suggestions for improvement. Please feel free to chime in!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Entrance Chant” • 23rd (Ordinary Time)
    This coming Sunday, 7 September 2025, is the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). You can download the “Entrance Chant,” conveniently located at the feasts website. I also recorded a rehearsal video for it (freely available at the same website). The Communion Chant includes gorgeous verses in FAUXBOURDON. I attempted to create a rehearsal video for it, and it’s been posted at the feasts website, called by some: “church music’s best kept secret.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”
    We were sent an internet statement (screenshot) that’s garnered significant attention, in which KARL KEATING (founder of Catholic Answers) speaks about whether canonizations are infallible. Mr. Keating seems unaware that canonizations are—in the final analysis—a theological opinion. They are not infallible, as explained in this 2014 article by a priest (with a doctorate in theology) who worked for multiple popes. Mr. Keating says: “I’m unaware of such claims arising from any quarter until several recent popes disliked by these Traditionalists were canonized, including John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. Usually Paul VI receives the most opprobrium.” Mr. Keating is incorrect; e.g. Father John Vianney, several centuries ago, taught clearly that canonizations are not infallible. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen would be another example, although clearly much more recent than Saint John Vianney.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Vatican II Changed Wedding Propers?
    It’s often claimed that the wedding propers were changed after Vatican II. As a matter of fact, that is a false claim. The EDITIO VATICANA propers (Introit: Deus Israel) remained the same after Vatican II. However, a new set of propers (Introit: Ecce Deus) was provided for optional use. The same holds true for the feast of Pope Saint Gregory the Great on 3 September: the 1943 propers (Introit: Si díligis me) were provided for optional use, but the traditional PROPRIA MISSAE (Introit: Sacerdótes Dei) were retained; they weren’t gotten rid of. The Ordo Cantus Missae (1970) makes this crystal clear, as does the Missal itself. There was an effort made in the post-conciliar years to eliminate so-called “Neo-Gregorian” chants, but (contrary to popular belief) most were retained: cf. the feast of Christ the King, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and so forth.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)
    How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

“In condemning us, you condemn all your own ancestors—all the ancient priests, bishops and kings—all that was once the glory of England, the island of saints and the most devoted child of the See of Peter. For what have we taught, however you may qualify it with the odious name of treason, that they did not uniformly teach?”

— Father Edmund Campion (to the Anglicans about to murder him)

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