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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

Tu Es Petrus

Aurelio Porfiri · August 26, 2014

DON’T THINK POPE FRANCIS needs my words to defend him, because he would know very well how to do it himself. Also, to be honest, while I cannot say that I agree on everything he is doing, in general I believe that he deserves a deep respect for his actions.

Before continuing, I must ask my readers to avoid a very big mistake that is quite common in Catholic literature, the belief that if you defend Pope Francis it means you are against Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, and that if you exalt Benedict XVI it means you hate Pope Francis; neither of which is true my case. If you read my posts here and in other places, or my books and articles, you immediately will feel that I belong to the side of Benedict. Indeed I have a deep admiration and respect for him, and his ideas have influenced me a lot. This will never change. However, I realize that to put the two popes one against the other is a nonsense, as they address different problems in our society, with a different perspective and with a different worldview and background. They have different interests and priorities, and this is shown in their pastoral action.

First we face the issue of liturgy; of course Pope Benedict was very sensitive on this issue, being a lover of beauty as expressed in Catholic Tradition, a lover of music and art; this makes me feel, even now, still very close to him. My book “Il canto dei Secoli” was described by a theologian very close to Pope Benedict XVI’s teachings as deeply influenced by the thinking of the German Pope. I confirm, and still now confront myself with this great Pope. Pope Francis is a man of deep faith but the reflection about the issues surrounding liturgy is not among his priorities. He wants again to show the mercy of Jesus in a very troubled world, and is doing this with his actions, that of course are very easily misunderstood.

At present, it seems he hasn’t changed anything spectacular in the liturgy, with the exception of the document about the sign of peace, that indeed was not seen with favor from progressive liturgists. Jorge Mario Bergoglio was used to visiting the very poor in the slums of Buenos Aires and so has seen the deep frailty of our humanity. This is why I like his phrase, about the Church being a “field hospital,” because we are all weak and in need of help and forgiveness. We are all burdened with sins and we need understanding together with the need to find the right way. Cardinal Newman has said that “we are going to heaven backward”; yes, despite our efforts and a few exceptional models in the saints, we should be honest with ourselves and recognize our weak nature and our need for help, help where we are (the field hospital), to be reached where our sins most hurt.

I hope I am not mistaken when I say that Pope Francis is acting in this direction in his own peculiar way; of course, being himself a sinner too (as he defines himself when asked by an Italian journalist) he may also misread situations and commit mistakes. In that occasion we can only hope that the words of Jesus, “Tu es Petrus,” will be for him the best cure and will be enough to restore his spirit and help him in the titanic mission of giving to a lost world the only hope that can still save it.


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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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

“Every medicine does not suit every stage of sickness; because the tonic given to those who are recovering from fever would be hurtful to them if given while yet in their feverish condition. So likewise Baptism and Penance are as purgative medicines, given to take away the fever of sin; whereas this sacrament [the Sanctissimum] is a medicine given to strengthen, and it ought not to be given except to them who are quit of sin.”

— Saint Thomas Aquinas Re: the EUCHARIST

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