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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

Sacra Liturgia 2015 — Update III

Fr. David Friel · June 3, 2015

HE FIRST lecture given on Wednesday came from Archbishop Cordileone, who spoke on “Liturgical Leadership in a Secular Society: A Bishop’s Perspective.” As the Ordinary of San Francisco, the archbishop’s reflections have particular significance.

One of the core points made by Archbishop Cordileone concerned the manner in which one should read Sacrosanctum Concilium. This document, he said, must not be read in isolation. It should, rather, be read in the light of the liturgical movement that preceded it and the liturgical documents that followed it. In this way, we are able truly to embrace the “hermeneutic of continuity” advocated by Cardinal Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI.

Another very interesting facet of the archbishop’s presentation was a brief reflection on the significance of veiling in Catholic tradition. “In Christian liturgy,” he observed, “the sacred is veiled.” We see this even in the activities of ordinary human life, wherein we veil birthday gifts, our bodies, etc. In addition to this natural sort of veiling, Catholics also veil things such as chalices and tabernacles. Traditionally, women have often veiled their heads during worship, in token of their special role as bearers of life. Archbishop Cordileone noted that, in former times, a screen would sometimes be hung between two pillars of the baldacchino to form a sort of “tent” around the holy of holies. He challenged us to recover an appreciation for the mysterious significance of veiling.

I was intrigued by a historical observation that Archbishop Cordileone shared with conference attendees. He acknowledged that the modern world largely did away with faith—a reality that is fairly easy to observe. He then suggested that our post-modern world, in which we now live, is doing away with reason. This is something that I think warrants further thought and discussion.

Another interesting presentation was given by Mr. Matthew Menendez, whose talk was entitled “Youth and the Liturgy.” A young man himself, Matt is the founder of Juventutem Boston and a graduate of Harvard University.

He explained how several priests had a significant role in his faith formation as a child. In particular, he recalls having been invited to special tasks, as part of a select group of servers whom the priests trained—rather, formed—in the liturgy. Matt encouraged us priests to learn from this model and to implement it in our pastoral ministry. By offering such special liturgical formation, we engage young people deeply and challenge them to become missionaries who share their formation with others. This model, Menendez noted, is the one Jesus chose for His public ministry.

Some attention was given during this lecture to the phenomenon of “youth Masses” attracting congregations largely composed of baby boomers. Menendez recommended that we not accept unquestioningly the “youth culture imposed by the elderly.” These are wise words. They reminded me of those two remarkable chapters from Jeffrey Tucker’s book, Sing Like A Catholic, “A Letter to Praise and Worship Musicians” and “The New Youth Mass.”

This lecture also spoke to the experience of the American Catholic millennial. In particular, Matt highlighted a contradiction that many millennials feel—a detrimental contradiction that needs to be addressed. On the one hand, we millennials look around and see how much the liturgy has changed since the Second Vatican Council; on the other hand, we are told that Church teaching on many controversial social issues cannot be changed. While I am personally able to reconcile this, many of my fellow millennials have (perhaps a bit subconsciously) left the Church on account of precisely this apparent contradiction. Indeed, the unchanging nature of church doctrine might be easier to accept if our liturgy had been subjected to less radical change in the post-conciliar period.

One day of Sacra Liturgia USA 2015 remains. I look forward to sharing a few more thoughts about the experience with you tomorrow.

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Authentic Liturgical Renewal Reform, Reform of the Reform, Sacra Liturgia Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Fr. David Friel

Ordained in 2011, Father Friel is a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and serves as Director of Liturgy at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. —(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    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
    “Music List” • 21st in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Our choir returns on Sunday, 24 August 2025. Some have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for it, which is the 21st 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. When it comes to the feast of the Assumption (15 August 2025), I have uploaded the music list for that Mass—but not the “bi-lingual” Mass in the evening (Spanish, Latin, and English) which has completely different music.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Entrance Chant” • 21st Sunday Ordin. Time
    You can download the ENTRANCE ANTIPHON in English for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) which is coming up on 24 August 2025. Corresponding to the vocalist score is this free organ accompaniment. It’s set in a melancholy mode, but if you heard my choir’s female voices singing it your soul would be uplifted beyond belief. If you’re someone who enjoys rehearsal videos, this morning I tried to sing it while simultaneously accompanying my voice on the pipe organ.
    —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 liturgical reform bears absolutely no relation to what is called “desacralization” and in no way intends to lend support to the phenomenon of “secularizing the world.” Accordingly the rites must retain their dignity, spirit of reverence, and sacred character.

— Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship (5 September 1970)

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