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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

Diversity Of Thought

Jeff Ostrowski · March 26, 2015

114 Saint Thomas Aquinas Stained Glass OBODY WILL OBJECT if you come out strongly in favor of “diversity of thought.” This is one of the few dogmas embraced by everyone in our society. (To mention the uncomfortable fact that no one is allowed diversity of thought regarding accepting diversity of thought is considered impolite.) Politicians realize the value of universally-accepted notions which can be spoken at a moment’s notice, and most of them begin with: “More could be done in the area of…”

Speaking of worthless statements by politicians, I once mistakenly assumed an acquaintance could recognize how silly they are. A presidential candidate responded to a question with a typical answer—something like, “I feel strongly that we should stand up and oppose unjust persecutions.” I blurted out, “Oh, I think we ought to encourage unjust persecutions.” Failing to understand my sarcasm, the acquaintance looked at me as though I were a lunatic.

“Diversity of thought” sounds great when you first hear it, but examined more closely becomes problematic. For example, suppose 100 people support BLOODLETTING as a valid medical practice, while 37 agree with modern doctors (who condemn it as a dangerous pseudoscience). Is “diversity of thought” here really a positive thing? Surely not. (The question of whether it should be illegal to hold a false view about bloodletting is a different debate and will not be explored today.)

Over the years, I’ve occasionally skimmed publications 1 by liturgical “progressive” organizations. They clamor for a reformed Catholic Church “where all voices are heard.” (This mantra is beloved and repeated incessantly by one of the Collegeville Press blogs.) Let’s think about this, though. When it comes to reforming the liturgy, do we really want “all voices” heard? Should liturgical opinions of—for example—those convicted of unspeakable crimes be given consideration? I suspect the folks at Collegeville Press would respond as follows:

“We do advocate that all voices be heard; but we reserve the right to disqualify voices we deem too extreme.”

…and that is an altogether different matter, isn’t it?



NOTES FROM THIS ARTICLE:

1   A particularly large trove is here.

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 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

    New Bulletin Article • “7 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 is called: “Professor Bouyer’s Regret.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    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

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

“Ways to receive Our Lord as King of the Universe…read and reflect on the Sunday Scriptures, plan your whole weekend around receiving your King, wear your best garments, spend time in quiet, kneel to receive Him, receive Him on the tongue, offer silent time of thanks after mass.”

— Most Rev. Bishop Strickland (15 December)

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