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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.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

Faith Seeking Understanding

Fr. David Friel · April 21, 2013

VERY SAINT HAS A FEAST DAY at some point throughout the year on which the Church celebrates his or her life, work, and sanctity. Today, April 21st, is the feast of St. Anselm, the great philosopher and theologian of the eleventh century for whom my parish is named. Because he is our parish patron, today is a Solemnity for us here in northeast Philly.

Anselm is truly one of the great thinkers in Church history. For this reason, he is one of the “Doctors of the Church.” He wrote numerous very important theological texts, each of which is worthy of our study. For now, though, let’s consider just one of Anselm’s brilliant ideas.

St. Anselm had a sort of motto that sums up a good bit of his life and teaching. In Latin, the famous motto is: fides quarens intellectum. In English, that literally means: “faith seeking understanding.” That certainly sounds nice and pious, but what does it mean? What does it matter?

It means that faith comes before understanding. We don’t have to understand God in His entirety in order to have faith. Faith comes first, and then it leads us to deeper understanding. We see this so clearly in the Easter season. When Mary Magdalene & Peter & John went to the tomb and found it empty, they certainly did not understand everything that had happened. But, the Scriptures tell us that they “saw and believed” (John 20:8). Their lack of understanding didn’t keep them from having faith. Rather, they began with faith, which led them to greater understanding at Pentecost and in the days & weeks that came after.

We have to be careful, though. It’s not good enough to say, “I have faith, so I don’t really need to understand.” Not at all! Remember, the motto is “faith seeking understanding.” So, yes, we begin with the virtue of faith, which is paramount, but we must absolutely seek deeper understanding.

Think about your own faith. What have you done lately to nurture that faith, to seek understanding?

§ Have you thought about reading a little bit out of your Bible?
§ Have you made the effort to participate in Advent & Lenten adult faith formation events at your parish?
§ Does your family own a catechism?
§ Have you ever stopped to make a visit at an adoration chapel in your area?

We need to move beyond the idea that graduating from Catholic school or receiving Confirmation prepares us with everything we need to know about our faith. Personally, I went through 21 years of Catholic school, and I know I still have room to grow and learn.

Our faith seeks understanding. Is that statement true for us? There are still more than six months remaining in this “Year of Faith” that we are celebrating as a Universal Church. What could your parish do, and what could you do individually, to seek greater understanding of our holy Catholic faith?

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

    New Bulletin Article • “14 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 14 September 2025) discusses OFFERTORY ANTIPHONS and contains a wonderful quote by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.
    —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

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

On 26 July 1916—during the German occupation of Belgium—a student choir led by Van Nuffel performed his setting of the psalm “Super flumina Babylonis” in Saint Rumbold’s Cathedral. The text and the musical setting very aptly expressed the depressed and rebellious mood of the population. The acclaim was enormous, and it laid the foundation for Van Nuffel’s formation of the Saint Rumbold’s choir.

— Unknown

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