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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

Acts of the Apostles

Fr. David Friel · April 17, 2013

OUND UP WITH THE CELEBRATION OF EASTER is the reading of the Acts of the Apostles. It’s fascinating to me to read, year after year, about the initial fervor and drama of the Christian way. Among the most evocative episodes in the book is the scene wherein Stephen debates people from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, & Asia—folks from all corners of the world. Stephen’s words were so persuasive that the people “could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke” (Acts 6:10).

How do we reconcile that scene with our personal experience? Surely, we all know people who have heard the Gospel message but who have not been overwhelmed by it. Think of the Millennials who were raised by good, faithful parents but who have grown apathetic toward faith. Think of all the students who graduate from 8 or 12 or 16 years of Catholic education only to drift away from the Church. Think of the many catechumens & candidates who come through RCIA but fade back into oblivion after Pentecost. The faith was taught to them, but it wasn’t well received. How do we deal with this reality when we compare it to Stephen’s experience?

We ought not to feel inadequate if our children or friends or classmates have not swooned over our evangelatory efforts. It is a teaching of the Church that we receive grace only insofar as we are disposed to receive it. This helps to explain why it’s not possible to force faith upon anyone. Faith must be accepted. The closed doors of the hardened heart must be broken open if faith is to find a home. No mere man has the power to throw open the doors of another person’s heart, no matter how charming his rhetoric.

There are, however, tools one can employ to aid the process of conversion. The most compelling things in the world are Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, which philosophy dubs the “Transcendentals.” These three ideals transcend the things of earth and represent the universal aspirations of humanity. Every human heart longs for that which is true & good & beautiful. Nothing we experience in life is more compelling than truth that is taught clearly, goodness that is demonstrated sincerely, and beauty that is revealed intimately. These things can make stiff hearts supple, better disposed to receive the wisdom and Spirit of Christ.

There is something appealing about truths that are systematically laid out for us. There is something heartwarming about goodness that is freely given. There is something vital about beauty that is recognizable in art & music & architecture & liturgy & life.

While we cannot force faith upon others, we can strive to teach the truth clearly, demonstrate sincere goodness, and live life beautifully. By doing these things well, the witness of our very lives can become a convincing sign of the Kingdom.

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

    “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
    A Nice Hymn In Spanish
    In my humble opinion, this is a really beautiful hymn in Spanish. If I practice diligently, I’ll be able to pronounce all the words properly. If you’re someone who’s interested in obtaining a melody only version (suitable for your congregational ORDER OF WORSHIP) you can steal that from this.
    —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

The Princess of the Palatinate once described German Protestantism to Louis XIV with this formula: “In our country, everyone makes up his own little religion.” Every priest, or almost every priest, is at this point today. All the faithful have to say is “Amen.” They are still blessed when the pastor’s religion does not change every Sunday, at the whim of his reading, the foolery he has seen others at, or at his own pure fancy.

— Professor Louis Bouyer (1968)

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