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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

Shall The Nuns Save Us? I Think So.

Jeff Ostrowski · May 25, 2014

455 MONEY HRIST IS OFTEN shown as a loving and compassionate Good Shepherd, but seldom with a whip in hand, expelling those who would defile the Temple. It’s interesting that Christ used violence when it came to defending God’s Liturgy against profanation.

Traveling with my family this Memorial Day weekend, we attended a Catholic Church where the Communion Song was I am proud to be an American, accompanied by full band: drums, guitars, and so forth. As the soloist was singing — “From Detroit down to Houston, and New York to L.A., I thank my lucky stars…” — I couldn’t help but reflect upon the unbelievable damage that has been done to the Liturgy over the years.

My eyes caught a glimpse of five young Korean nuns, in full habit (distinctive garb), kneeling perfectly still (respect for the Eucharist), with perfectly folded hands (traditional posture), praying with great fervor (piety). I was greatly inspired by such a sight.

Someone once told me that St. Dominic, before starting his religious order, founded a convent of nuns. St. Dominic felt that nuns praying for the success of his endeavors was a crucial element.

IN MY HEART, I FEEL that somehow or other the young consecrated sisters will play a pivotal role in the restoration of Sacred Liturgy. I have no “evidence” to support my claim, but it’s a free country, so I can believe what I like.

Finally, let us not become discouraged. Consider the words of a truly great liturgist, written in 1992:

Nostra res agitur! It behooves us to work while the light lasts, so that the Ecclesia orans will not have to cross the threshold of the third millenium with empty hands and ears ringing to the faint echoes of the ancient laughter of Gelimer, King of the Vandals. Let us therefore continue to do the best things in the worst times, and to hope them in the most calamitous. In mundo pressuram habebitis, sed confidite, ego vici mundum. In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world (John 16:33).   (Source)

In a humble effort to “do the best things in the worst times,” a team of Catholics created the Jogues Illuminated Missal. Perhaps God will allow this book to be like those young nuns, who represent — nay, embody! — the true “renewal” of the Church!

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Reform of the Reform Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Jeff Ostrowski

Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004). He resides with his wife and children in Michigan. —(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    Cardinal Ranjith on “Active Participation”
    From 2005–2009, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith served as Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. He was considered ‘papabile’ during the last conclave. On 8 December 2008, he wrote this powerful statement concerning Gregorian Chant, participatio actuosa, celebration “ad orientem,” and other subjects. When it comes to the question of what “sacred” means, Monsignor Robert A. Skeris provides a marvelous answer.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “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

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 first tasks of the new pope will be to restore normality, restore doctrinal clarity in faith and morals, restore a proper respect for the law and ensure that the first criterion for the nomination of bishops is acceptance of the apostolic tradition. Theological expertise and learning are an advantage, not a hinderance for all bishops and especially archbishops.”

— Cardinal Pell (2022) about the pope who will succeed Francis

Recent Posts

  • Online Breviary With Chant
  • “Dynamic Equivalence” • Serious Problems with the Forthcoming Lectionary Translation
  • Cardinal Ranjith on “Active Participation”
  • Exec. Director of ICEL weighs in on our series • “PDF comparison chart” included
  • “Music List” • 22nd in Ordinary Time (Year C)

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