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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

Has The Church Rejected Her Inheritance?

Dr. Alfred Calabrese · March 10, 2016

“My son, you are here with me always. Everything I have is yours.” —Luke 15:31|

Prodigal HIS WAS WHAT the father of the estate said to his older son in the parable of the Prodigal Son, heard most recently this past weekend, the fourth Sunday of Lent. I’ve been thinking a lot about this parable lately, and in particular, why neither of the sons really understood what riches he had in his father’s house. Is that why the prodigal son left? Did he not realize what he had, and did he think things would be so much better elsewhere?

The father has inherited and maintained an existence that is well-ordered, successful, and respected, even coveted. The father is the caretaker of these riches, and the Prodigal Son is part of this inheritance. The rich blessings, fertile land, and beautiful adornments are his by right.

And yet, the Prodigal Son rejects all of it.

Imagine for a moment that the father and his house represent the Church. The sacraments are her wealth, and she is adorned with the richness of beautiful art, architecture, and music. The well-ordered success of the estate is akin to the Church’s time honored liturgical practices, steeped in history and tradition.

The father, clearly heartbroken by the son’s rejection, does not drastically change his house nor anything about it in an effort to lure back his son. He doesn’t rid himself of his possessions nor throw away all of his successful practices in order to join his son in the wasteful abandonment of all he knows. Rather, he remains steadfast, hoping that the son will realize what he has given up, and return to the life-giving love of the father and his house.

And yet it seems that many in the Church have not learned or understood this lesson. How many prodigal sons and daughters are still out there? Did the Church’s willingness to try to lure back her people really work? Did the abandonment of sacred tradition, of Gregorian chant, polyphony, and excellent hymnody, and of beautiful vestments and architecture, bring more people back home?

Those whose calling it is to work for the Church, those who understand what wealth really is, those who recognize the importance of beauty in the Father’s house, have a difficult task. Often they face ridicule, rejection, and heartbreak. Not an easy life. But the Gospel tells us that the prodigal children will one day return. To all of my colleagues—remain steadfast!

You are invited to experience something beautiful in Dallas,Texas this May. Please consider attending our conference on beauty and sainthood, and experience the world premiere of “A Rose in Winter” by composer Frank La Rocca. The registration fee is at an UNBELIEVABLY low price!

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 Dr. Alfred Calabrese

Dr. Alfred Calabrese is Director of Music and Liturgy at St. Rita Catholic Church in Dallas, TX. He and his wife have two children.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    Why A “Fugue” Here?
    I believe I know why this plainsong harmonizer created a tiny fugue as the INTRODUCTION to his accompaniment. Take a look (PDF) and tell me your thoughts about what he did on the feast of the Flight of Our Lord Jesus Christ into Egypt (17 February). And now I must go because “tempus fugit” as they say!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    New Bulletin Article • “12 October 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 12 October 2025) talks about an ‘irony’ or ‘paradox’ regarding the 1960s switch to a wider use (amplior locus) of vernacular in the liturgy.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Reminder” — Month of October (2025)
    Those who don’t sign up for our free EMAIL NEWSLETTER miss important notifications. Last week, for example, I sent a message about this job opening for a music director paying $65,000 per year plus benefits (plus weddings & funerals). Notice the job description says: “our vision for sacred music is to move from singing at Mass to truly singing the Mass wherein … especially the propers, ordinaries, and dialogues are given their proper place.” Signing up couldn’t be easier: simply scroll to the bottom of any blog article and enter your email address.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    “American Catholic Hymnal” (1991)
    The American Catholic Hymnal, with IMPRIMATUR granted (25 April 1991) by the Archdiocese of Chicago, is like a compendium of every horrible idea from the 1980s. Imagine being forced to stand all through Communion (even afterwards) when those self-same ‘enlightened’ liturgists moved the SEQUENCE before the Alleluia to make sure congregations wouldn’t have to stand during it. (Even worse, everything about the SEQUENCE—including its name—means it should follow the Alleluia.) And imagine endlessly repeating “Alleluia” during Holy Communion at every single Mass. It was all part of an effort to convince people that Holy Communion was historically a procession (which it wasn’t).
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Canonic” • Ralph Vaughan Williams
    Fifty years ago, Dr. Theodore Marier made available this clever arrangement (PDF) of “Come down, O love divine” by P. R. Dietterich. The melody was composed in 1906 by Ralph Vaughan Williams (d. 1958) and named in honor of of his birthplace: DOWN AMPNEY. The arrangement isn’t a strict canon, but it does remind one of a canon since the pipe organ employs “points of imitation.” The melody and text are #709 in the Brébeuf Catholic Hymnal.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Did they simplify these hymn harmonies?
    Choirs love to sing the famous & splendid tune called “INNSBRUCK.” Looking through a (Roman Catholic) German hymnal printed in 1952, I discovered what appears to be a simplified version of that hymn. In other words, their harmonization is much less complex than the version found in the Saint Jean de Brébeuf Hymnal (which is suitable for singing by SATB choir). Please download their 1952 harmonization (PDF) and let me know your thoughts. I really like the groovy Germanic INTRODUCTION they added.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“What will be the results of this innovation? The results expected, or rather desired, are that the faithful will participate in the liturgical mystery with more understanding, in a more practical, a more enjoyable and a more sanctifying way.” [Enjoyable?]

— Pope Paul VI (26 Nov 1969)

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  • New Bulletin Article • “12 October 2025”

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