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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

Reflection on the Blessing of the Ashes

Guest Author · March 4, 2014

0319_JXXIII_blue Soon to be saint, Pope John XXIII, always carried on his person a picture of his tomb. HERE IS A VERY inspiring chant, used in the blessing of ashes which says: Let us amend for the better in those things in which we have sinned through ignorance: lest suddenly overtaken by the day of death we seek time for repentance, and are not able to find it.

Several ideas are presented. The first is that we should try to improve and do better. A bit of reflection will help us to see what needs improvement. I suspect that all of us could spend more time in prayer. Especially if we are older and retired, we have so much more time. Do we just want to waste it on watching television? And this can apply also to young people. I like to define or call prayer as time we are willing to spend with God. When we love someone, we want to spend time with them. If we really love God, then we will want to spend time with Him. And when it comes to what we should do for lent, you will almost always first hear, ‘prayer and fasting.’ Do something very definite this lent to increase and improve your prayer, the time you are willing to spend with God. At the moment of your death you will be glad that you did.

I find the words ‘sinned through ignorance’ very consoling. I’m not saying this to excuse myself or anyone, but I do believe that many of the sins we commit, and many of the good things we failed to do are done more out of ignorance than out of malice. Yes, it is so much easier to spend fifteen minutes watching TV than to say the Rosary, but think of the difference that the pay-off is going to have. And then that urge to spread that latest piece of gossip! But is it worth spending time in purgatory for?

The last part of this chant gets a bit more dramatic when it says: ‘we may seek a time for repentance, and are not able to find it’. Yes, it may be too late. We do know that we should be prepared at all times. Everyone should live each lent, each day, as if it may be their last. If we have real and genuine love of God, the end of life should not be a frightening thought. St. John the Apostle says that love casts out all fear. If we improve our love of God by spending more time with Him in prayer, then we will probably have less reason to fear Him. We will look forward to meeting Him face to face. Make this the best lent of your life!


We hope you enjoyed this reflection by Fr. Valentine Young, OFM.

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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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

“This chapter hereby extends the prohibition of 13 June 1561 against loaning singers or instrumentalists on any account whatsoever to include even the humblest choirboy.” [From “The Life of Father Francisco Guerrero.”]

— Sevilla: Chapter Resolution (10 June 1562)

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