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Views from the Choir Loft

Don’t Add Me, Please

Aurelio Porfiri · August 19, 2014

937 John XXIII 23 AM SURE that something similar has happened to you, also. One billion people are on Facebook, and without question it’s an interesting way to connect with people around the world. But there are downsides. Sometimes I receive a notification saying that some unknown person has “added you to the irritable bowel syndrome fans group.” Now, being very emotional, I may be familiar with this syndrome; but I’m not really a fan. And why would someone add me?

But even worse is to consider other scenarios. Sometimes, somebody adds you (without your consent) to a group for those appreciating something in which you don’t have the slightest interest. Then—inside the newsfeed—everyone receiving the news of your new affiliation will think that maybe they didn’t know you so well after all…

But, indeed, things are not so easy in this life. Even liturgically-speaking, we must decide where we wish to stand. It cannot be merely some priest (fresh out of seminary) adding you to the VATICAN II GROUP, implying you accept his version of the Vatican II fancies.

No, we need to decide where we want to be: and indeed the choice is compulsory. We must be with the Church, in the entirety of her history and tradition. We cannot follow the ideas of this or that priest—the pastoral revolution of this or that bishop—if they are saying goodbye to what the church should be about. Of course changes are always necessary, but we cannot live at the rhythm of revolutions. Change should grow organically from what was before, not deny the past for something new at any cost.

If someone tells you “Vatican II wants such-and-such,” ask him where this was said. Don’t be surprised when the answer comes back that it’s the “spirit of the council.” It is true: the Spirit blows where He wants, not where they want. But, they will not listen… and so perhaps it would make sense for you also to join me in the “irritable bowel syndrome” fans group…


BOTTEGA • Aurelio Porfiri is where you can discover
many of Mæstro Porfiri’s compositions in PDF format.

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 Aurelio Porfiri

Renowned as composer, conductor, theorist, author, pedagogue, and organist, Aurelio Porfiri has served the Church on multiple continents at the highest levels. Born and raised in Italy, he currently serves as Director of Choral Activities and Composer in Residence for Santa Rosa de Lima School (Macao, China).

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Quick Thoughts

    PDF • “For General Use Until Advent”
    If you conduct a volunteer choir, you might consider using this Simple Piece #40273 (“Adésto Sáncta Trínitas”) which can be used during the rest of the liturgical season until Advent. It's based on the well known hymn tune: OLD HUNDREDTH. Rehearsal videos are available at #40691. A live recording of #40273 (“Adésto Sáncta Trínitas”) by a volunteer choir is here (#40065).
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Introit • (This Coming Sunday)
    Our volunteer choir appreciates training videos, so here's my attempt at recording “Exáudi Dómine Vocem Meam,” which is the INTROIT for this coming Sunday. This coming Sunday is Dominica Post Ascensionem (“Sunday after the feast of the Ascension”). It is sung according to the official rhythm of the Catholic Church.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Volunteer Choir Attempts “Kýrie Eléison”
    My volunteer choir attempted the polyphonic KYRIE that will be sung at this year's Sacred Music Symposium. If you're interested, you can listen to the live recording from last Sunday. The piece is based on the ancient plainchant hymn melody: Ave Maris Stella. Polyphony like this is truly intricate and wonderful. It reminds me of the quote by Artur Schnabel: “music that's greater than it can be performed.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“I prefer to say nothing, or very little, about the new calendar, the handiwork of a trio of maniacs who suppressed—with no good reason—Septuagesima and the Octave of Pentecost and who scattered three quarters of the Saints higgledy-piddledy, all based on notions of their own devising!”

— ‘Fr. Bouyer, Consilium member appointed by Pope Paul VI’

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