Views from the Choir Loft

Not a movie. This was real.

Richard J. Clark · April 15, 2013

RAY FOR BOSTON. Trying to digest the magnitude of the explosions in Boston is difficult for everyone.

This attack happened within my parish. St. Cecilia Parish in the Back Bay section of Boston, is around the block from the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Additionally, several beautiful historic churches literally surround the finish line. So where is God in all of this?

The screams captured from the Boston Globe video capture real terror and fear. Not a movie. This was real.

We await word to hear from loved ones and those in our parish community to know of their safety. Authorities have urged people to stay home. This isn’t over yet. Early reports indicate that among the dead may be a small innocent child. So, again, where is God in all of this horror?

Today a friend stated, “Forgiveness is hard today. Can’t stop crying.” Truth, love, justice, forgiveness and peace are all connected. Forgiveness is the hard road ahead for Boston and for all those who carry a heavy cross. We must pray for each other, so that like Simon we may help each other carry the cross.

So where there is charity and love, God is THERE. God can be found everywhere in Boston.

News of runners changing course, running to Massachusetts General Hospital to donate blood is where God can be found. Those opening their homes to house and comfort strangers is where God can be found. The outpouring of love, concern—living out the Gospel—is proof of God’s presence in Boston. God is THERE.

After 9/11 we all saw the healing power of love that followed the most horrific attack this country knew. People WANTED to help. Right now in Boston there is the same desire to help any way possible.

Please pray for God’s protection and guidance. Pray for the intercession of Mary our Blessed Mother who knows great suffering. Please pray for those in great need of comfort and especially for those in need of God’s mercy, love, and forgiveness at this time.

Psalm 85: 11-12:
“Love and truth will meet;
justice and peace will kiss.
Truth will spring from the earth;
justice will look down from heaven.”

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

About Richard J. Clark

Richard J. Clark is the Director of Music of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.—(Read full biography).

“Music List” • 23rd in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Readers have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 7 September 2025, which is the 23rd 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. My singers really enjoy singing the resplendent COMMUNION ANTIPHON with its Fauxbourdon verses.

—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

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. Saint John Vianney, several centuries ago, taught clearly that canonizations are not infallible.

—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

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