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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

Musical Works of Mercy

Andrew Leung · April 28, 2016

CTL Musical Works of Mercy AST WEEK, I suggested an enjoyable way to pray during the Year of Mercy; and this week, I would like to make some suggestions that are not as relaxing, but require active works from us. As followers of Christ, we are all called to sanctify ourselves and others around us. One way to do that, especially during this Jubilee Year of Mercy, is to perform the works of mercy. Works of mercy are acts of both penance and charity, and they help lead us and others to greater holiness. There are two categories of works of mercy: corporal works of mercy which concerns the material needs of others and spiritual works of mercy which concerns the spiritual needs.

My suggestions are based on the seven spiritual works of mercy. Sacred music is for the glory of God and the sanctification, the edification of the faithful, just as St. Pius X said. Here are a few ways that we, church musicians, can help others spiritually through music:

1. To instruct the ignorant – Through doctrinal and orthodox liturgical music, we can help people learn more about the Catholic faith. This can be accomplished through singing the Creed and traditional hymnodies. Even though hymnodies come from the Protestant tradition, they are very effective in this regard. And of course, the Creed is our believes and singing the profession of faith help us to think more deeply on the text.

2. To counsel the doubtful and to admonish sinners – Through the sacred scripture in the church music, those who are doubtful can be counseled. We can also help people to listen to the Word of God, to reflect on their own lives and to live more like Christ. We perform this work of mercy every time when we chant the propers.

3. To bear wrongs patiently and to forgive offences willingly – As musicians, we are constantly being judged by others. When we face negative comments, let’s try to be polite and stay positive. We are called to be charitable to others even when they offend us with words.

4. To comfort the afflicted – Through the beauty of the Church’s music, we can bring the afflicted brothers and sisters comfort and lead to God, who is the source of all beauty. True sacred music can heal wounded souls and feed spiritual hungers.

5. To pray for the living and the dead – I have stressed the importance of prayer many times. Prayer is the key element of sacred music. We must remember to make our singing prayers to God. And when we pray, don’t just pray for ourselves, but also for those who are around us and the Church Suffering.

Hopefully, most of us are already doing these works of mercy as we provide music for liturgies. But it is never too late to start!

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” — Luke 6:36

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 Andrew Leung

Andrew Leung currently serves the music director of Vox Antiqua, conductor of the Cecilian Singers, and music director at Our Lady of China Church.—(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

Never before have men had so many time-saving devices. Yet, never before have they had so little free time. When the world unnecessarily accelerates, the Church must slow down.

— Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

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