The Church of Our Savior

Fr. David Friel · July 27, 2015

S MANY READERS are already aware, there is some degree of controversy over the removal of icons in the magnificent Church of Our Savior on Park Avenue in Manhattan. I have visited this parish numerous times and have always been impressed by the beauty of the space and the reverence it inspires in visitors.

The issue of the vanishing icons has been well documented in recent weeks. Instead of adding another account, I will simply direct those interested in learning more to read the following articles:

Vandalism with Intent (First Things)

Naked in New York: The Unceremonious Stripping of Our Savior (OnePeterFive)

Iconoclasm in New York City (NLM)

Our work at Corpus Christi Watershed is intended to be in service of Beauty and the Church. We hope, therefore, that the uncommon beauty of this splendid church will be preserved.

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

About Fr. David Friel

Ordained in 2011, Father Friel served as Parochial Vicar at Saint Anselm Church in Northeast Philly before earning a doctorate in liturgical theology at The Catholic University of America. He presently serves as Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.—(Read full biography).

“Tonus Solemnior” • How old is it?

In the 1962 Missal, a section called “præfationes in tono solemniore” contains ornate melodies for the Preface. An article posted on the blog of the Church Music Association of America claims the tone comes from “the late 19th century” and said its elimination “is one of the very few good things which the post-Conciliar reform did for Gregorian chant.” The author said: “The Roman solemn preface tone is already beautiful enough, there was no need to give a more Romantic feel.”

Some have asked us whether the tonus solemnior comes from “the late 19th century.” It does not. Their author was wrong by at least 400 years. I have seen this tone in MSS from the 1400s—and it may go back even further. Here is an example from 1494AD. And here’s another from the 1400s. The FSSP priests use these tones on high feasts, and the effect is unforgettable.

—Jeff Ostrowski

6 January 2022 • Quick!

A short version of the INTROIT for the feast of the Epiphany has been added to the Saint René Goupil Gregorian Chant Website.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Confusing Feasts of Christmas

Whether one considers the Missale Vetustum or the post-conciliar calendar—or even the 1908 calendar—the feasts which follow Christmas are very confusing. Last year I created this comparison chart. I hope you find it helpful. As far as I can tell, my chart is the first effort to carefully detail the changes made to post-Christmas feasts (unless we also count the rather basic one by Lauren Pristas).

—Jeff Ostrowski

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About Fr. David Friel