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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

When Disobedience Is Not Only Good, But Necessary!

Aurelio Porfiri · September 2, 2014

903 obey WANT TO GET this straight: I don’t really like those who bow to everything the Pope says, whoever the Pope is. After all, according our faith, the Pope is infallible only for certain pronouncements; not for everything he does or says. This kind of papolatry—although not absolutely irreconcilable with our Faith—certainly causes disturbance to those desiring to be CATHOLICS in the deep, strong meaning of this word. Now, of course, we must listen to the Pope with attention because we know that most of the time his words are intended for the good of our spiritual life, so—even if we’re not “bound” strictly speaking—it would be wise to follow his advice and teachings. But not everything he says is a definitive pronouncement.

Here’s what often happens: new Pope, new lifestyle. Some who formerly took delight in displaying their lovely high notes singing Gregorian chant during the reign of Benedict XVI now suddenly discover a south American soul with Pope Francis. We are surrounded—both in and beyond the Vatican—by “men without qualities,” to cite a novel of the writer Robert Musil. The problem is, such undisputed acceptance is demanded by some for everything uttered by a cardinal, bishop, or pastor … However, when they say things that our conscience finds unsound, they are announcing a doctrine that misleads us instead of leading us. In such cases, disobeying is good! 1

How many fights I’ve had with priests because of liturgy! How many times concerned Catholics were saying to me that I should respect the pastor, the priest, blah blah blah. To all these people, I have one answer: who cares?!! If the pastor, the priest, the nun, the bishop, the cardinal, and beyond are saying that which my conscience rejects, I follow my conscience. This is not “freedom of conscience,” condemned by Gregory XVI in Mirari vos (1832). Our conscience should never be encouraged to commit evil; so in this sense, the freedom of conscience cannot be encouraged, but also a conscience deciding to walk on wrong ways cannot be stopped.

GOD LEAVES US FREE and ultimately responsible for our actions. But in the case of consenting to certain teachings, if they’re not in line with what an educated conscience feels is good, they have to be rejected, no matter whom they come from. Father Enrico Zoffoli, in one of his pamphlets about clergy, has said that we are not interested in private opinion of priests: they are the announcers of the Gospel, that’s all. We respect Pope, cardinals, bishops, priests … but up to a point. When they cross a line, we need not jump on the other side with them.

Indeed, in the encyclical of Gregory XVI, there’s another interesting point, and in this case I feel quite near to Mauro Cappellari (Gregory XVI’s name before his election):

“The holiness of the sacred is despised; the majesty of divine worship is not only disapproved by evil men, but defiled and held up to ridicule.” —Mirari Vos, §5 (1832)

Mmm … in this very case, I think that if these words were not written almost 200 years ago but today, they would still sound reasonable and sound, even to my own (maybe not very well educated) conscience.


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



NOTES FROM THIS ARTICLE:

1   Editor’s Reminder: According to Catholic teaching, those under obedience must refuse obedience if ordered to commit sin.

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

    “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
    A Nice Hymn In Spanish
    In my humble opinion, this is a really beautiful hymn in Spanish. If I practice diligently, I’ll be able to pronounce all the words properly. If you’re someone who’s interested in obtaining a melody only version (suitable for your congregational ORDER OF WORSHIP) you can steal that from this.
    —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

“Worse, composers are now setting the introits of the missal [instead of the Graduale] to music, even to chant, though these texts were explicitly for spoken recitation only.”

— ‘Dr. William Mahrt (Fall, 2015)’

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