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“What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too…” Pope Benedict XVI (7 July 2007)

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Views from the Choir Loft

The Power of Sacred Music

Andrew Leung · September 15, 2016

CTL The Power of Sacred Music ISITING THE SICK is a very important part of the ministry of a Catholic priest. Last Sunday, I visited the hospital with the bishop and seminarians of Macau. Fr. Law, a priest who was in the hospital for three weeks, is 83 years old and has been sick for 18 years. Fr. Law is a church historian and the dean of the cathedral chapter (canons, which, by the way, can only be found in two places in Asia: the Diocese of Macau and the Archdiocese of Manila).

We were told, before our visit, that Fr. Law wasn’t doing too well, he was loosing his memory and his mind was clouded. But that was not the case when we get to the hospital, he was awake and he recognized the bishop right away. He was very happy to see us and welcomed us with his beautiful smile. After a little bit of chatting, the bishop suggested that we, the seminarians, sing Salve Regina for him. Fr. Law was very excited about the singing and started to make the Sign of the Cross so that we can begin our prayer to the Blessed Virgin together.

The miracle happened after the Salve Regina. Fr. Law’s memory came back suddenly and he started to tell stories and sing pieces of music that he used to taught in the seminary. He was the Gregorian chant and choral instructor at St. Joseph Seminary in Macau. Once we started singing in the hospital room, we couldn’t stop singing. We sang Ecce Sacerdos in the presence of the bishop, how appropriate is that! When we got to Cesar Franck’s Panis Angelicus, father even started singing in harmonies.

I don’t usually post stories like this one on the blog, but I think this amazing experience is worth sharing. This experience of mine proved that true sacred music brings hope and joy to the sufferings. This story shows how music can be connected deeply with our minds and souls. Fr. Law was discharged from the hospital two days later and his mind was cleared up after singing with us.

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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Quick Thoughts

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

“If we continue to tolerate sad examples of liturgical abnormalities, experimentation, abuse, and simply poor-quality liturgies, why should we single out those connected to the ancient rites of the Church for special vigilance? It just doesn’t seem right.”

— An Example of a response (sent to Pope Francis) Re: the TLM

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