• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

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.”

  • Donate
  • Our Team
    • Our Editorial Policy
    • Who We Are
    • How To Contact Us
    • Sainte Marie Bulletin Articles
    • Jeff’s Mom Joins Fundraiser
  • Pew Resources
    • Brébeuf Catholic Hymnal
    • Jogues Illuminated Missal
    • Repository • “Spanish Music”
    • KYRIALE • Saint Antoine Daniel
    • Campion Missal, 3rd Edition
  • MUSICAL WEBSITES
    • René Goupil Gregorian Chant
    • Noël Chabanel Psalms
    • Nova Organi Harmonia (2,279 pages)
    • Roman Missal, 3rd Edition
    • Catechism of Gregorian Rhythm
    • Father Enemond Massé Manuscripts
    • Lalemant Polyphonic
    • Feasts Website
  • Miscellaneous
    • Site Map
    • Secrets of the Conscientious Choirmaster
    • “Wedding March” for lazy organists
    • Emporium Kevin Allen
    • Saint Jean de Lalande Library
    • Sacred Music Symposium 2023
    • The Eight Gregorian Modes
    • Gradual by Pothier’s Protégé
    • Seven (7) Considerations
Views from the Choir Loft

My Reflections On The Election Of Pope Francis

Jeff Ostrowski · March 15, 2013

ONSIDERING the massive media coverage given to the election of our new Pope, I have to question whether these few thoughts of mine will even be read, but here they are, just in case.

It seems to me that sometimes the choice of a Pope is obvious. For instance, in 1939, on the eve of the Second World War, Eugenio Pacelli seemed obvious. Pacelli was almost a “super man.” Intelligent beyond belief, a violinist and great Theologian, Pacelli possessed a tremendous amount of experience doing all kinds of things and, what’s more, he was . . . saintly and holy. I have no doubt that before WW2, the Cardinals were basically saying, “Who can help us? Who has the authority and knowledge and experience to help us through such times? To whom can we turn? Who can lead us in such times?” The answer was obvious in 1939.

Similarly, I think the choice of Pope Benedict XVI was obvious. Cardinal Ratzinger had “done it all”: a brilliant Theologian, he was a former Seminary professor, published author, former head of a huge Diocese, a man with an immaculate record, and someone who had worked at the highest levels of the Church and knew inside out the Curia Romana, since he was head of the Holy Office for many years. Furthermore, Ratzinger was . . . saintly and holy. Those of us who loved “B16” believe that no successor will be able to surpass such a legacy as he left, at least for many years. Only one man could have taken on the severe problems in the Church, and that man was Cardinal Ratzinger, appointed by our Lord Himself for such a task. In 2005, the choice was obvious.

2013 was a surprise. I am so glad CCW made the decision not to make any “predictions” (see my earlier post) because not a single person in the media had a clue Cardinal Bergoglio would be elected. I have a friend who worked directly for the Pope for many years, and he had specifically told me, “Don’t listen to what people are saying, because they have not a clue! Not a clue!”

It seems to me that in 2013 the Cardinals have elected a Pope who will work to strengthen Spanish-speaking Catholics and bring attention to the poor and destitute. Although I know very little about Pope Francis, everything I’ve read about him is positive, and he seems to possess great holiness and love for our Savior Jesus Christ. Furthermore, he entered the Jesuit order before that order went “downhill.” Such a move required great sacrifice, dedication, and discipline. Back in those days (the “old Jesuits”), Jesuits had to study for 13 years prior to ordination. I’ve heard people say bad things about Jesuits, but they must be talking about the “new Jesuits” (many of whom, sadly, have fallen into heresy, the scourge of our age). If people knew anything about the Old Jesuits, they would shut their mouths, because the Old Jesuits were men of unspeakable holiness, intelligence, and BRAVERY. Let us pray that Pope Francis follows the lead of the Old Jesuits: Jogues, Bressani, Campion, Southwell, Brébeuf, Le Moyne, Lalemant, Lalande, and a million other examples. Many of the comments I hear about Jesuits are just plain ignorant: especially when one considers the amount of harm non-Jesuit priests have done to the Catholic Church. This canard needs to die.

In summation, I feel that God has blessed us. Pope Francis will be a wonderful Pope. However, he will not be as great a Pope as Benedict XVI, because we will not see a man of that character, intelligence, and holiness for many, many years in my humble opinion.

*  A friend E-mailed me and let me know the Jesuits are reforming, and their new priests are young and orthodox — Deo gratias!

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

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: January 1, 2020

Subscribe

It greatly helps us if you subscribe to our mailing list!

* indicates required

About Jeff Ostrowski

Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004). He resides with his wife and children in Michigan. —(Read full biography).

Primary Sidebar

Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    New Bulletin Article • “21 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 21 September 2025) discusses some theological items—supported by certain verses in ancient Catholic hymns—and ends by explaining why certain folks become delirious with jealousy when they observe feats by Monsignor Ronald Knox.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!
    It’s always amusing to see old diocesan newspapers—in huge capital letters—advertising the Cheapest Catholic Paper in the United States. The correspondent who sent this to me added: “I can think of certain composers, published by large companies in our own day, who could truthfully brag about the most tawdry compositions in the world!” I wonder what she could have meant by such a cryptic comment…
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • Dom Murray Harmonies
    Along with so many others, I have deep respect for Dom Gregory Gregory Murray, who produced this clever harmonization (PDF) of “O SANCTISSIMA.” It’s always amazed me that Dom Gregory—a truly inspired composer—was so confused when it came to GREGORIAN CHANT. Throughout his life, he published contradictory statements, veering back-and-forth like a weather vane. Toward the end of his life, he declared: “I see clearly that the need for reform in liturgical music arose, not in the 18th and 19th centuries, but a thousand years earlier—in the 8th and 9th centuries, or even before that. The abuses began, not with Mozart and Haydn, but with those over-enthusiastic medieval musicians who developed the elaborate and flamboyant Gregorian Chant.”
    —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

“Church officials frequently asked Tomás Luis de Victoria for his opinion on cathedral appointments because of his fame and knowledge. He was faithful to his position as convent organist even after his professional debut as an organist, and never accepted any extra pay for being a chapelmaster. Held in great esteem, his contract allowed him frequent travel away from the convent, and he attended Palestrina’s funeral (in Rome) in 1594.”

— ‘Dr. Robert Stevenson, 1961 (mod.)’

Recent Posts

  • New Bulletin Article • “21 September 2025”
  • How do you pronounce this word in Latin?
  • Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!
  • Children’s Repertoire: “3 Recommendations”
  • PDF Download • Dom Murray Harmonies

Subscribe

Subscribe

* indicates required

Copyright © 2025 Corpus Christi Watershed · Isaac Jogues on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Corpus Christi Watershed is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to exploring and embodying as our calling the relationship of religion, culture, and the arts. This non-profit organization employs the creative media in service of theology, the Church, and Christian culture for the enrichment and enjoyment of the public.