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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

Praying for Peace in Syria – Day of Prayer and Fasting

Richard J. Clark · September 5, 2013

ODAY’S COVER OF THE New York Times shows a horrifically disturbing photograph of Syrian rebel fighters standing over captured and tied soldiers. The commander on the right, recited a verse just before the soldiers were executed. This photo is perhaps moments before their deaths.

Our souls cry out in anguish over the callous culture of death.

In response to Pope Francis’ call for a day of fasting and prayer for peace this Saturday, September 7th, the Office of Divine Worship in Boston writes the following directives, which we may all find of use in our parishes. Additionally, there are suggested petitions may be useful, even if for prayer in our own hearts:

Praying for Peace in Syria, in Solidarity with Pope Francis and Christians throughout the world. Archdiocesan (Boston) Prayer Vigil for Peace & Directives for the Day of Prayer and Fasting

Pope Francis has called for a day of fasting and prayer for peace this coming Saturday, September 7, 2013. He has invited us all to ask from God “this great gift of peace for the beloved Syrian nation and for the situations of conflict and violence in the world.” He went on to say, “Humanity needs to see gestures of peace, and to hear words of hope and of peace.”

In addition, the Cardinal (O’Malley) is asking all priests who regularly celebrate a Saturday morning Mass in their parishes t…o use the Mass texts from the Roman Missal section II, “For Civil Needs” of “Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions”. In this section, the most appropriate texts will come from the Mass “In Time of War or Civil Disturbance”, # 31.

For the Saturday Vigil Mass and Sunday Masses the following petitions may be added to the Prayers of the Faithful with the closing prayer taken from the Mass In Time of War or Civil Disturbance.

· That the precious gift of peace might be promoted and protected in Syria, the Middle East and all throughout the world; We pray to the Lord:

· That aware of the judgment of God and of history upon our actions, all nations might come to understand that war begets war, violence begets violence; We pray to the Lord:

· That God might guide the international community to make every effort to promote clear proposals for peace for the good of the entire Syrian people; We pray to the Lord:

· That the plea for peace rise up and touch the heart of everyone tempted by violence so that they may lay down their weapons; We pray to the Lord:

· That through the example of Mary, Mother of Peace, we might dedicate ourselves each day to building an authentic culture of encounter and peace; We pray to the Lord:

· Prayer at Conclusion of Intercessions: “O God, author and lover of peace, to know you is to live, to serve you is to reign; defend against every attack those who cry to you, so that we, who trust in your protection, may not fear the weapons of any foe. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.”

“Let us ask Mary to help us to respond to violence, to conflict and to war, with the power of dialogue, reconciliation and love. She is our mother: may she help us to find peace; all of us are her children!” – Pope Francis

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 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).

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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

He stood firm against nepotism, rebuking his predecessor Pope Pius IV to his face when he wanted to make a 13-year-old member of his family a cardinal and subsidize a nephew from the papal treasury.

— Re: Pope Saint Pius V (d. 1572)

Recent Posts

  • “The Injustice of Traditionis Custodes” • (Private Meetings at the Vatican)
  • New Bulletin Article • “14 September 2025”
  • PDF Download • Croft’s “Canonic Kyrie” (SATB)
  • Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”
  • “Music List” • 23rd in Ordinary Time (Year C)

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