Views from the Choir Loft

Videos • Bishop-Elect Robert Barron on the Liturgy

Andrew Leung · July 20, 2015

ONGRATULATIONS to Bishop-Elect Robert Barron. The Holy Father Pope Francis just appointed Fr. Robert Barron, the current President of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake and Rector of Mundelein Seminary in Chicago, as an Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and Titular Bishop of Macriana in Mauretania.

Born in Chicago in 1959 and ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1986, Fr. Barron was named Rector in 2012. He has been a tremendous supporter of the work of the Liturgical Institute, referring to it as “a jewel in the crown of Mundelein”. Fr. Barron is the founder of the Word on Fire Catholic Ministries and his “Catholicism” series is very well known. I would like to share two of his videos on the Liturgy.

“What if Catholics Find the Mass Boring?”

He mentioned a two ways to “get ready” for the Liturgy:

(1) Read the readings before Mass;|
(2) Read Bible Commentaries or listen to Commentaries online.

Another way I will add to that is, to learn more about the Liturgy by reading documents, books and other articles. A lot of people probably find the unchangeable parts (the Canon and the Ordinaries) of the Mass boring. It is very important to understand the actual high point of the Liturgy.

Here is another video:

“The Sacrament of the Eucharist as Sacrifice”

Please keep him in your prayer!

About Andrew Leung

Andrew Leung currently serves the music director of Vox Antiqua, conductor of the Cecilian Singers and music director at Our Lady of China Church. He is also an artist and vocal coach at the Paul Phoenix Academy.

“Daily I sat in the temple, close to you…”

Fulton J. Sheen always said the “very best translation” of Sacred Scripture was the version by Monsignor Ronald Knox, and here’s what Knox had for the Passion read today (Pre-1955 Palm Sunday): “And Jesus said to the multitude at that hour, You have come out to my arrest with swords and clubs, as if I were a robber; and yet I used to sit teaching in the temple close to you, day after day, and you never laid hands on me.” (Mt 26:55)

Did you catch that? Our Lord sat close to them! He was near them! The Second Person of the Blessed Trinity touched them, and was friendly toward them! Truly, the people who can hurt us the most—and betray us the most—are those whom we have loved.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Sacred Music Symposium • “What We Avoid”

I wish we had to time to discuss artwork at the Sacred Music Symposium, but there’s just not enough time. At this year’s conference in June, we will sing an absolutely incredible Magnificat setting by Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599). If you examine the part books, you will notice a marvelous aesthetic desire to avoid the same capital letter—for the sake of beauty. Do you see how the Part Books find a way to avoid repeating the Capital G twice, by using the word “Superius” (which is roughly analogous to “Soprano”)? Breathtaking!

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Abraham” • Guerrero Imitates His Teacher

Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599) studied music with Father Cristóbal de Morales circa 1545. He taught himself the organ. On 3 April 1542 he was engaged as a contralto by Seville Cathedral at an annual salary of 12,000 maravedís. He remained there until 1546, when, at the age of only 17, he was invited—on the recommendation of Father Morales—to become mæstro de capilla of Jaén Cathedral. He was entrusted with the boarding, lodging, and instruction of the six choirboys; but he neglected this duty and was sentenced to be dismissed on 30 August 1548. However, he was absolved and reinstated on 3 November. I think you can see (perhaps) a little homage to his teacher on the word “Abraham.”

—Jeff Ostrowski