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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

Entering the Mainstream Conversation

Richard J. Clark · August 14, 2015

HOSE OF US who are deeply passionate about Gregorian Chant, Renaissance polyphony, and the propers are often left to share such conversations among ourselves. Perhaps our interest is considered “on the fringe.” Likewise, those of us with such passions are also quick to dismiss “mainstream” liturgical practices of which we may not approve. What is important is to have the conversation. Only speaking to those with whom we agree is a form of “Intellectual incest” which only reaffirms our own established notions. From this practice we do not learn. We do not grow.

Most important is to examine what practices truly bear fruit. What needs reform? What needs to be done away with? What needs to be fostered, nurtured, or held in higher esteem? With fifty years of distance from Vatican II, what do we better understand now?

HE 2010 ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF THE ROMAN MISSAL, Third Edition, and its chants shook up the mainstream conversation enormously. It is one that may very well continue for years. Lest we forget, it was Pope Saint John Paul II who promulgated the Third Edition in 2000 and established the new norms for translation with Liturgiam authenticam (LA). Now, and for years to come, we are shaped and formed by Pope Saint John Paul’s decision. This is always worthy of conversation.

Furthermore, Pope Benedict XVI shook up the conversation in many ways, especially with his 2007 Apostolic Letter Summorum Pontificum, but these elements are still often considered on the fringe. Cardinal Sarah’s recent letter is not likely to make many waves in the mainstream. Sarah, who was appointed Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments by Pope Francis, may likely see many of his points dismissed. But they should not be as they address the very heart and substance of full and active participation–Participatio actuosa–and entering into the mystery. Beyond the externals of facing East (as presumed by the GIRM!) the common ground Sarah expresses with regard to the liturgy’s very essence is enormous.

This is quite worthy of a wider conversation:

The liturgy in action is thus none other than the work of Christ in action. The liturgy is in its essence actio Christi: “the work of Christ the Lord in redeeming mankind and giving perfect glory to God” (§5 SC). He is the high priest, the true subject, the true protagonist of the liturgy (cf. §7 Ibid). If this vital principle is not embraced in faith, one risks reducing the liturgy to a human action, to the community’s celebration of itself.

OST PEOPLE WE SERVE are not concerned about the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, Rubrics, or the rules of Liturgiam authenticam. But the faithful do care deeply about matters of the heart. They care deeply about the scriptures. They care deeply about relationship with God and with each other. They care deeply about the heart entering into the Mystery, consciously or otherwise. If what we offer is cheap or trite, will it take root in the long run? Our young people are smarter than that. Ultimately, the root of substance digs deep and bears great fruit.

Can we have a conversation about that?

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 Richard J. Clark

Richard J. Clark is the Director of Music of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    “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
    “The Worm That Dieth Not”
    My pastor asked me to write a column for our parish bulletin with reflections on the sacred liturgy and church music. In my most recent article, I discuss “The Worm That Dieth Not.” At this website, you can access it conveniently; simply scroll down to the one dated 31 August 2025.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    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

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

“We must say it plainly: the Roman rite as we knew it exists no more. It has gone. Some walls of the structure have fallen, others have been altered—we can look at it as a ruin or as the partial foundation of a new building. Think back, if you remember it, to the Latin sung High Mass with Gregorian chant. Compare it with the modern post-Vatican II Mass. It is not only the words, but also the tunes and even certain actions that are different. In fact it is a different liturgy of the Mass.”

— Fr. Joseph Gelineau (1978)

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