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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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Alabama Assessment!

We received this evaluation of Symposium 2022 from an Alabama participant:

“Oh, how the Symposium echoed the words of Cardinal Merry Del Val: …choosing only what is most conformed to Thy glory, which is my final aim. In one short and fast paced week, the faculty and attendees showed me the hand of God and our Lady working in our lives. The wide range of education—from Gregorian Chant, jazz modes in organ improvisation, to ‘staying sane’ while leading a choir—were certainly first-class knowledge from the best teachers of the art. However, the most powerful lesson was learning how to pray as a choir. The sacrifice of putting songs together, taking time to learn the sacred text, meditating on the church teaching through the chants, and gaining the virtues required to persevere in these duties were not only qualities of a choir but of a saint. The sanctification of the lives of the attendees was a beautiful outcome of this event … and that in itself is worth more than a beautifully-sung Solesmes style chant!”

—Jeff Ostrowski
PDF Download • Trinity Sunday (22 pages)

Feel free to download this Organ Accompaniment Booklet for Trinity Sunday (Second Vespers). Notice how the modes progress by number. Psalm 1 is mode 1; Psalm 2 is mode 2; Psalm 3 is mode 3; Psalm 4 is mode 4; Psalm 5 is mode 5. I am told by an expert that other feasts (such as Corpus Christi) are likewise organized by mode, and it’s called a “numerical office.”

—Jeff Ostrowski
10 June 2022 • “Official” rhythm of plainsong

I continue to search for the most beautiful way to present the “pure” Editio Vaticana scores. (Technically, the “pure” rhythm of the official edition is what everyone is supposed to use.) You can download my latest attempt, which is the Introit for this coming Sunday: Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Because this is not an ancient feast, the Introit had to be adapted (perhaps around 750AD). Prior Johner says the adaptation is “not an entirely happy one.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

Friedman met Egon Wellesz in Altaussee on one of the walks, and Egon started to speak about atonal music—and Ignaz replied: “No, no, no. Melody for me.”

— From the Life of Ignazy Friedman

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