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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

Andrew’s Orations

Fr. David Friel · November 30, 2012

HE ORATIONS for today’s feast of Saint Andrew are a fine example of the genius of the Roman Rite. That genius has become all the more clear through the 2010 English translation of the Missal. The new Missal, by its precision & fidelity, transmits many more nuances from the original Latin than the former Sacramentary had conveyed. In Andrew’s orations, the case is clear.

The Collect uses four titles to describe Andrew, whom the Orthodox remember as the Πρωτόκλητος (“First Called”) among our Lord’s disciples. It is fitting that this first oration should incorporate titles, so as to recall the identity and role of the saint being celebrated. The titles in the Collect appear in this order: Apostle, preacher, pastor, and intercessor. These ideas were weakly captured in the Sacramentary thusly: apostle, to preach, guide, and friend. I find all four titles to be rendered with greater strength in the new prayer. Apostle is now capitalized, the label of preacher is stronger than the infinitive, pastor means much more than guide, and an intercessor is something far more defined (though not other) than a friend.

The new Prayer over the Offerings magnificently prays that the elements “which we bring” to the altar may please God “by what we have brought and be given life by what you have accepted.” The structure of the prayer highlights the action of bringing and receiving gifts in such a prominent manner that, as I offered Mass this morning, the prayer immediately called to mind the feeding of the five thousand, where it was Andrew who noticed the boy with the loaves and fishes and brought them to the Lord. This brilliant allusion is so subdued as to be unrecognizable in the former Prayer over the Gifts.

The Prayer after Communion, also, alludes to an aspect of this great saint’s life. It has long been held that Andrew was martyred on a cross in the form of a Greek chi, equivalent to the letter X. This tradition is obliquely referenced by the new oration in its request that “we, who carry in our body the Death of Christ, may merit to live with him in glory.” The marvelous Pauline language of that prayer had formerly been rendered into the anemic line, “By sharing in Christ’s suffering may we live with him for ever.”

These three orations inspire me not only to seek the intercession of Saint Andrew, but also to acknowledge the inherent genius of the Roman Rite. I am grateful to God that this genius now flowers forth more fully from the Roman Missal in English.

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 is a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and serves as Director of Liturgy at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. —(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    Cardinal Ranjith on “Active Participation”
    From 2005–2009, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith served as Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. He was considered ‘papabile’ during the last conclave. On 8 December 2008, he wrote this powerful statement concerning Gregorian Chant, participatio actuosa, celebration “ad orientem,” and other subjects. When it comes to the question of what “sacred” means, Monsignor Robert A. Skeris provides a marvelous answer.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Music List” • 22nd in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Some have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 31 August 2025, which is the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are conveniently stored at the spectacular feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “The Worm That Dieth Not”
    My pastor asked me to write a column for our parish bulletin with reflections on the sacred liturgy and church music. In my most recent article, I discuss “The Worm That Dieth Not.” At this website, you can access it conveniently; simply scroll down to the one dated 31 August 2025.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    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
    Pope Pius XII Hymnal?
    Have you ever heard of the Pope Pius XII Hymnal? It’s a real book, published in the United States in 1959. Here’s a sample page so you can verify with your own eyes it existed.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Hybrid” Chant Notation?
    Over the years, many have tried to ‘simplify’ plainsong notation. The O’Fallon Propers attempted to simplify the notation—but ended up making matters worse. Dr. Karl Weinmann tried to do the same in the time of Pope Saint Pius X by replacing each porrectus. You can examine a specimen from his edition and see whether you agree he complicated matters. In particular, look at what he did with éxsules fílii Hévae.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

“However well equipped and trained a choir may be, all its good points may be obscured by an unsuitable accompaniment. In fact the organist can, in a large measure, either make or mar his choir. It must be owned, however, that the accompanist of Plainsong has to contend with many difficulties. […] The purist will still find his best enjoyment of the chant when it is sung unaccompanied, but to most a becoming accompaniment gives an added charm.”

— Benedictines of Stanbrook (1905)

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