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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

The Day Fulton J. Sheen Made A Mistake

Jeff Ostrowski · July 13, 2015

HOSE WHO HAVE READ the wonderful autobiography of Fulton J. Sheen know about the relationship Sheen had with Msgr. Ronald Knox. Early in Sheen’s life, they worked together in England. Sheen loved the Bible translation created by Knox, and felt it was “the best”—as he said in Life of Christ (1958). In a 2010 article, Fr. George Rutler wrote:

Sheen told a friend of mine—in a moment perhaps made candid by the mellowing of years—that anything he had ever said of significance was taken from either Knox or Chesterton.

You can download the complete FULTON J. SHEEN SUNDAY MISSAL at this link. The year it appeared (1961) was quite ominous for the Sacred liturgy, but also for the book’s primary editor, Fr. Philip Caraman. More will said about this famous Jesuit below.

Turning to the final page of the Sheen Missal, we find this page:

515 Knox Lauda

518 Philip Caraman Jesuit THERE’S ONLY ONE PROBLEM: that translation is not by Knox. When you examine it, you’ll see that it’s verbatim the translation of Fr. James Aylward (1813-1872). Shouldn’t they have known that? They made such a fuss over Knox’s estate giving permission…

When we first released the Sheen Missal, I pointed out that it was highly doubtful Archbishop Sheen had anything to do with its creation, except for the Preface. Yet, since it was put out under his name, he had an obligation to look it over. But who is this mysterious editor, Fr. Philip Caraman? It turns out he was a famous scholar—who did many things—and was perhaps best known for his role in the cause of the 40 Martyrs of England & Wales.

Fr. Caraman did a truly amazing job editing the Sheen Missal. However, he soon found himself in hot water with the other editor—Jesuit Fr. James Walsh—over a completely unrelated matter. I won’t go into the details (because they could easily fill a book) but Fr. Caraman was removed from his post in 1963 for allegedly fostering an inappropriate relationship with the daughter of his close friend, Evelyn Waugh. 1

Caraman was also an expert on the writings of Msgr. Ronald Knox—so how could such an error occur? I have no idea. I can say, though, that poetry often makes use of “cento” technique. That means verses may be stolen from or imitate a previous work. I was shocked to discover how frequently this was done in English renderings of Latin poetry. Those who have encountered Analecta hymnica (Dreves & Blume) realize that Latin poetry does this, too. Even when specific verses are not borrowed, they can serve as a model. For example, compare “Gratia Tua Spiritus” with the “Veni Creator Spiritus” of Pentecost. Dealing with cento all day, it’s easy to become confused.

Speaking of poetry, I’ve been amazed to learn how often those who render Latin hymns into English change their minds. Caswall’s earlier translations are often greatly modified, as were St. Robert Southwell’s. I once read a review of BREVIARY AND MISSAL HYMNS by Fr. John Fitzpatrick which made the following claim:

Lauda Sion is well rendered by Father Fitzpatrick as a whole; but the second line of the first verse has too obviously been coerced by the tyranny of rhyme. The translation begins:

Sion, praise thy Lord and Saviour,
Praise thy Shepherd’s dear behaviour;
Hymn and canticle upraise.


They are correct. The phrase “dear behavior” is truly horrible … but Fr. Fitzpatrick’s version does not begin like that. Perhaps he changed his mind in some later edition.

I will close these reflections by sharing a photo of Rev. Philip Caraman taken in 1963:

517 Philip Caraman 1963
 

 


NOTES FROM THIS ARTICLE:

1   I don’t know whether these accusations were true. The evidence I’ve seen against Caraman strikes me as very weak. It appears to have been a way for Caraman’s jealous enemies to get rid of him.

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Bishop Fulton J Sheen, Father Philip Caraman SJ, Fulton Sheen Sunday Missal Last Updated: April 2, 2025

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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 • “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

“Since the English is not meant to be sung—but only to tell people who do not understand Latin what the hymn text means—a simple paraphrase in prose is sufficient. The versions are not always very literal. (Literal translations from Latin hymns would often look odd in English.) I have tried to give in a readable, generally rhythmic form the real meaning of the text.”

— Father Adrian Fortescue (d. 1923)

Recent Posts

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  • New Bulletin Article • “14 September 2025”
  • PDF Download • Croft’s “Canonic Kyrie” (SATB)
  • Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”
  • “Music List” • 23rd in Ordinary Time (Year C)

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