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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

World Meeting of Families 2015 & the Papal Visit to Philadelphia — Part 2 of 2

Fr. David Friel · October 18, 2015

T HAS BEEN one month since the World Meeting of Families began here in Philadelphia. Last week, I shared some behind-the-scenes photos of the events. This week, as promised, I will share with you the final words of admonition from Msgr. Marini before the papal Masses began.

Several months of planning go into a papal liturgy, particularly when it is to be celebrated abroad during an Apostolic journey. The first plans for the recent liturgies in Washington D.C., New York, and Philadelphia were presented to Msgr. Marini’s office in the spring. In early September, Marini and several assistants travelled to each city to see the various places that would be used for the liturgies and to make necessary changes. Then, during the week of the Holy Father’s visit, several more practices were held before each liturgy, each time resulting in further adjustments and refinements.

Msgr. Guido Marini serves as the chief Master of Ceremonies for liturgical celebrations in the presence of the Holy Father. There are also eight additional MC’s who assist with papal liturgies. Among them, Msgr. Marini is known as “the Maestro.” Accompanying Marini on the visit to Cuba and the USA were Msgr. Vincenzo Peroni and Msgr. John Cihak.

Before the large papal Masses in the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul and on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Msgr. Marini met briefly with the seminarian servers and deacons in the sacristy to offer some final reflections before the start of the liturgies. As the MC working with the deacons, I had the opportunity to listen in to the Maestro’s final encouragement. The fervorino was similar both days, with Marini speaking in Italian as Msgr. Cihak translated into English. What follows are not direct quotes, but a good paraphrase of the three major points made by Marini:

1. We are preparing in a few moments to enter into the sacred liturgy. At this particular Mass, we will also be in the presence of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, which can cause us to be nervous. But I encourage you to enter into this Mass with a spirit of humility and faith. In many ways, the world looks upon the Holy Father as just another celebrity, no different from great athletes and rockstars and other famous personages. But that is not how we, as people of faith, look upon him. The Holy Father is the successor of Saint Peter, the Vicar of Christ on earth. When the Holy Father speaks, he speaks for God, and so we listen with what St. Paul calls “the obedience of faith.” It is a great honor to be in the presence of Peter and an even greater honor to serve the liturgy.

2. The sacred liturgy is much like the scene of the burning bush. You remember how in the Book of Exodus, the Lord reveals Himself through a bush that is flaming, yet not consumed. That image is a symbol of God’s self-revelation, His personal manifestation of Himself to mankind. This happens also in the sacred liturgy. God reveals Himself to us so that we might come to know Him and love Him more deeply.

3. There is another passage in Exodus that teaches us about the meaning of the liturgy. In Exodus 34, Moses goes before the Lord, face-to-face. Upon returning to the people, Moses face is seen to be radiant. It is still filled with the fullness of God’s light. It is shining with the splendor of God, which Moses had experienced in a moment of privileged encounter. This is what happens in the sacred liturgy. We should serve the liturgy (and leave the liturgy) with a certain radiance. It should stir up within us a deep, interior joy—not an ebullient joy that attracts attention to itself, but the sort of joy that humbly reflects upon the favors received from God.

These reflections are profound in themselves. What struck me most about them, though, was not their actual content, but their spirit. With moments to go before the beginning of very large, high-profile Masses, the focus of Msgr. Marini’s remarks was not on practical details. In fact, his focus was entirely impractical and spiritual. Having attended to so many practical details in the months & days & hours leading up to these liturgies, the papal MC challenged each of us to go deeper and to experience the sacred liturgy in the same way Moses experienced the burning bush. He used these moments not as a time for reminders and corrections, but as a time for prayer and spiritual encouragement.

Sacred musicians, sacristans, MC’s, and so many others who take part in preparing liturgies at the parish level could learn from Msgr. Marini’s good example. Let’s put forth our best efforts and be diligent in all of our preparations, for sure. When we enter the sacred liturgy, however, remember that the essence of what we do remains a spiritual reality.

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Msgr Guido Marini, Pope Francis 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

    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

Oh, what sighs I uttered, what tears I shed, to mingle with the waters of the torrent, while I chanted to Thee, O my God, the psalms of Holy Church in the Office of the Dead!

— ‘Isaac Jogues, upon finding Goupil’s corpse (1642)’

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