Views from the Choir Loft

Peculiar Altar Decorations

Fr. David Friel · November 4, 2013

ALL IS A BIG SEASON for peculiar altar decorations. They range from pumpkins to cornstalks to cornucopias. I imagine there have been even stranger things done, but I have mercifully been spared their sight.

It seems to me that the steps leading up to the altar are often perceived as a canvas for inventive decoration. Very often, the altar steps serve as a showcase for whatever display the pastor or liturgy committee feels is seasonably appropriate. In certain churches, there may be validity to placing a manger scene there, although, generally speaking, a side altar is more appropriate. But jack-o-lanterns and hay bales and zombies are never appropriate.

Might I suggest that we resist the urge to perceive and use the altar steps in such fashion? Those steps do, in fact, serve a purpose. At the very least, we should have been reminded of this by Summorum Pontificum. We should, moreover, be conscious of this reality even in the Ordinary Form, especially since celebration ad orientem is still perfectly legitimate and the presumption of the GIRM.

The altar steps are not simply an empty palette awaiting the blossom of creativity. They serve both symbolically and practically to set the place of sacrifice apart from the quotidian.

About Fr. David Friel

Ordained in 2011, Father Friel served for five years as Parochial Vicar at St. Anselm Parish in Northeast Philly. He is currently a doctoral candidate in liturgical theology at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Sacred Music Symposium • “What We Avoid”

I wish we had to time to discuss artwork at the Sacred Music Symposium, but there’s just not enough time. At this year’s conference in June, we will sing an absolutely incredible Magnificat setting by Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599). If you examine the part books, you will notice a marvelous aesthetic desire to avoid the same capital letter—for the sake of beauty. Do you see how the Part Books find a way to avoid repeating the Capital G twice, by using the word “Superius” (which is roughly analogous to “Soprano”)? Breathtaking!

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Abraham” • Guerrero Imitates His Teacher

Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599) studied music with Father Cristóbal de Morales circa 1545. He taught himself the organ. On 3 April 1542 he was engaged as a contralto by Seville Cathedral at an annual salary of 12,000 maravedís. He remained there until 1546, when, at the age of only 17, he was invited—on the recommendation of Father Morales—to become mæstro de capilla of Jaén Cathedral. He was entrusted with the boarding, lodging, and instruction of the six choirboys; but he neglected this duty and was sentenced to be dismissed on 30 August 1548. However, he was absolved and reinstated on 3 November. I think you can see (perhaps) a little homage to his teacher on the word “Abraham.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Too much music!

Choosing music for the Sacred Music Symposium requires careful consideration. We make sure (always) to have great variety. Because the schedule is so full, there’s never sufficient time to discuss the music fully—indeed, we could easily do a month-long seminar on each piece! For example, last year Dr. Calabrese conducted a setting of the Magnificat by Father Guerrero (d. 1599). It is one of the most magnificent (pardon the pun) pieces ever written, and I wish I had time to point out the brilliant way he syncopates the word “dispersit,” which means “He has scattered” or “He has dispersed.” Superb!

—Jeff Ostrowski