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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

Proof Good People Still Exist

Jeff Ostrowski · December 25, 2016

IDNIGHT MASS in Hollywood with the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter (FSSP.la) was fabulous. I must say, the choral sound was prayerful and beautiful. In particular, the way their voices tackled Guerrero’s BENEDICTUS (Missa Beata Mater) was truly sublime, as was their “O Magnum Mysterium” by Tomás Luis de Victoria, a Roman Catholic priest. After Mass—around 2:00am—we took a choir photograph. (Does your choir ever take photos?)

Our two FSSP priests joined us for the photo:

527 FSSP


In a world that seems increasingly filled with cold indifference, ignorance, and malice, I feel so blessed to work with delightful people like these.

For the record, several singers shown in this photo have assisted with the Corpus Christi Watershed polyphonic rehearsal videos.

Our Solemn Mass (with Deacon & Subdeacon) at Midnight on Christmas is always done in complete darkness, except for candles.

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 Jeff Ostrowski

Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004). He resides with his wife and children in Los Angeles.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

Quick Thoughts

14 May 2022 • “Pure” Vatican Edition

As readers know, my choir has been singing from the “pure” Editio Vaticana. That is to say, the official rhythm which—technically—is the only rhythm allowed by the Church. I haven’t figured out how I want the scores to look, so in the meantime we’ve been using temporary scores that look like this. Stay tuned!

—Jeff Ostrowski
14 May 2022 • Gorgeous Book

If there is a more beautiful book than Abbat Pothier’s 1888 Processionale Monasticum, I don’t know what it might be. This gorgeous tome was today added to the Saint John Lalande Online Library. I wish I owned a physical copy.

—Jeff Ostrowski
Sound Familiar?

1 June 1579: “The chapter passes a rule that anyone ascending to the new organ without official permission shall be fined a month’s pay.”

26 October 1579: “The altar boys remain always separate and distinct from choirboys—the one group learning only plainchant and assisting at the altar, the other living with the chapel-master and studying counterpoint and polyphony as well. Father Francisco Guerrero postpones his departure for Rome and instead spends the entire year in Seville making ready for the trip. In the meantime he neglects his choirboys. On 16 November, after considerable complaint against their unruliness and ignorance, he engages an assistant, Bartolomé Farfán.”

—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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  • 14 May 2022 • “Pure” Vatican Edition
  • 14 May 2022 • Gorgeous Book
  • Musician-Saints Throughout the Ages

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