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“What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too…” Pope Benedict XVI (7 July 2007)

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Views from the Choir Loft

Peter Lives On

Fr. David Friel · August 21, 2011

That the Gospel for this Sunday, from the all-important Matthew chapter 16, coincides with the Holy Father’s pilgrimage to World Youth Day has to be providential.

I remember signing up for World Youth Day 2005 in Cologne, Germany. My main reason for doing so was to see Pope John Paul II, who had been a great inspiration to me growing up. Unfortunately, in between my registration and the event itself, John Paul II died. I still went, and I saw Pope Benedict XVI, instead.

Thinking back on it, though, there was really no difference. Simon & Linus & Cletus & Clement & Sixtus & Leo XIII & John XXIII & Paul VI & John Paul II & Benedict XVI all die. But Peter lives on. I went to see the Rock, and that’s whom I saw.

The role of Peter—as our voice and our principle of unity—never dies. What a gift we have been given! What if we didn’t have his voice to teach us? What if we left it up to a democratic vote to determine what we believe? We can look at this Gospel and see for ourselves. Jesus asks the Apostles to tell Him, “Who do people say that I am?” In other words, “What’s the general consensus about my identity?” And how do they respond? “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” They give a wide variety of wrong answers.

As then-Cardinal Ratzinger said: “Truth is not determined by a majority vote.” It was only Peter who gave the correct answer when he said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” So, Truth is Jesus Christ, and we need the voice of Peter to identify Him.

As now-Pope Benedict XVI said earlier today: “Dear young people, do not be satisfied with anything less than Truth and Love, do not be content with anything less than Christ.”

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 Fr. David Friel

Ordained in 2011, Father Friel served as Parochial Vicar at Saint Anselm Church in Northeast Philly before earning a doctorate in liturgical theology at The Catholic University of America. He presently serves as Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.—(Read full biography).

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Quick Thoughts

Alabama Assessment!

We received this evaluation of Symposium 2022 from an Alabama participant:

“Oh, how the Symposium echoed the words of Cardinal Merry Del Val: …choosing only what is most conformed to Thy glory, which is my final aim. In one short and fast paced week, the faculty and attendees showed me the hand of God and our Lady working in our lives. The wide range of education—from Gregorian Chant, jazz modes in organ improvisation, to ‘staying sane’ while leading a choir—were certainly first-class knowledge from the best teachers of the art. However, the most powerful lesson was learning how to pray as a choir. The sacrifice of putting songs together, taking time to learn the sacred text, meditating on the church teaching through the chants, and gaining the virtues required to persevere in these duties were not only qualities of a choir but of a saint. The sanctification of the lives of the attendees was a beautiful outcome of this event … and that in itself is worth more than a beautifully-sung Solesmes style chant!”

—Jeff Ostrowski
PDF Download • Trinity Sunday (22 pages)

Feel free to download this Organ Accompaniment Booklet for Trinity Sunday (Second Vespers). Notice how the modes progress by number. Psalm 1 is mode 1; Psalm 2 is mode 2; Psalm 3 is mode 3; Psalm 4 is mode 4; Psalm 5 is mode 5. I am told by an expert that other feasts (such as Corpus Christi) are likewise organized by mode, and it’s called a “numerical office.”

—Jeff Ostrowski
10 June 2022 • “Official” rhythm of plainsong

I continue to search for the most beautiful way to present the “pure” Editio Vaticana scores. (Technically, the “pure” rhythm of the official edition is what everyone is supposed to use.) You can download my latest attempt, which is the Introit for this coming Sunday: Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Because this is not an ancient feast, the Introit had to be adapted (perhaps around 750AD). Prior Johner says the adaptation is “not an entirely happy one.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“Although the Mass contains much instruction for the faithful, it has nevertheless not seemed expedient to the fathers that it be celebrated everywhere in the vernacular. The holy synod commands pastors and everyone who has the care of souls to explain frequently during the celebration of the Masses, either themselves or through others, some of the things that are read in the Mass, and among other things to expound some mystery of this most Holy Sacrifice, especially on Sundays and feastdays.”

— ‘Council of Trent, XII:8 (1562)’

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