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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

PDF Download • “Missal for the Laity” (1846)

Jeff Ostrowski · September 20, 2017

WO THINGS happen at Mass: (1) Jesus Christ is made present on the Altar; (2) Jesus Christ is offered to His Heavenly Father. If we were to ask the average Catholic for a basic definition of the Mass, how many could provide one? I don’t need to answer that question, because our readers know how dreadfully low the percentage would be. Yet, we still find authors posting lengthy statements about the “massive effect” Magnum Principium will have. In my view, we would obtain a massive effect if we taught every Catholic the basics about the Holy Mass.

Here’s an 1846 ORDO MISSAE published for the laity:

* *  PDF Download • “Ordinary of the Mass” (1846)

The entire book is phenomenal, and Google has placed several (complete) versions online:

* *  VERSION 1   (download to your Hard Drive to see images) • 821 pages

* *  VERSION 2   (download to your Hard Drive to see images) • 886 pages

This was published 90 years before most homes in America had electricity!

Viewing a book like this, we’re reminded how seriously Catholics once took the sacred liturgy. Those of us who love liturgical history can’t help but admire the careful illustrations:

The Vatican II bishops had good intentions, I’m sure. But after the Council, our liturgy was greatly impoverished, in direct contradiction to the what the Vatican II documents actually said. How many Catholics, for example, will hear the official Entrance Chant for the Pentecost, which even today is supposed to be identical to what is found in the 1846 Missal?

4405 Missal for the Catholic LAITY

Most parishes delete the official prayer—even though it’s incredibly ancient—and replace it with a song of their choosing. If you don’t believe me when I say the 1974 Graduale texts are ancient, pick up a copy of the Jogues Illuminated Missal (which has full approval from the USCCB as well as the local bishop).

Have you noticed the liturgical progressives are never happy? All we’ve heard for fifty years is grumbling and bellyaching. Those who love the traditional liturgical practices, on the other hand, cannot say enough. They love to share the music and prayers and books containing these treasures. They are filled with joy. And it’s the same with authentic Catholic music. There’s nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to Guerrero, Palestrina, and plainsong. Such things—being pure, holy, and beyond reproach—constitute the “worm that dieth not” for liturgical progressives.

I’ll never forget reading a 2009 article wherein a leading progressive liturgist (Fr. Robert Taft) was asked “What is the biggest liturgical abuse out there?” He didn’t talk about disrespect for the SANCTISSIMUM. He didn’t mention irreverent, goofy music. Instead, he cited priests distributing the Blessed Sacrament from the Tabernacle. Many popes have said it is more fitting (from a liturgical point of view) to distribute “hosts consecrated at the same liturgy”—and that’s just fine, as far as I’m concerned. 1 But at the end of the day, when we receive the SANCTISSIMUM, we receive Jesus Christ: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. This is a reality, irrespective of when Consecration took place. To imply that Jesus Christ—our Infinite God—is somehow deficient (in any way whatsoever) is utterly wrong. It’s actually satanic to say that “God is not enough for me.”

Rev. Taft has a right to claim “the biggest liturgical abuse” is Catholics receiving from the Tabernacle. But I also have a right to say: “No, that’s not the biggest abuse.”

Here are a few more images from that marvelous 1846 Missal:

4404 Prose 4407 Crucif 4408 Medieval Mass

 

 


NOTES FROM THIS ARTICLE:

1   Some will fail to carefully read my words, and erroneously claim that I oppose this church rule: “As a general rule, Holy Communion is given from hosts consecrated at the same Mass and not from those reserved in the tabernacle.” I have made it clear I do not oppose that rule.

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles, Featured, PDF Download Tagged With: Medieval Manuscripts Last Updated: September 7, 2021

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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 Michigan. —(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    New Bulletin Article • “14 September 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 14 September 2025) discusses OFFERTORY ANTIPHONS and contains a wonderful quote by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • Draft Copy (Pamphlet)
    A few days ago, I posted a draft copy of this 12-page pamphlet with citations about the laity’s “full, conscious, and active participation.” Its basic point or message is that choir directors should never feel embarrassed to teach real choral music because Vatican II explicitly ordered them to do that! We’ve received tons of mail regarding that pamphlet, with many excellent suggestions for improvement. Please feel free to chime in!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Entrance Chant” • 23rd (Ordinary Time)
    This coming Sunday, 7 September 2025, is the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). You can download the “Entrance Chant,” conveniently located at the feasts website. I also recorded a rehearsal video for it (freely available at the same website). The Communion Chant includes gorgeous verses in FAUXBOURDON. I attempted to create a rehearsal video for it, and it’s been posted at the feasts website, called by some: “church music’s best kept secret.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”
    We were sent an internet statement (screenshot) that’s garnered significant attention, in which KARL KEATING (founder of Catholic Answers) speaks about whether canonizations are infallible. Mr. Keating seems unaware that canonizations are—in the final analysis—a theological opinion. They are not infallible, as explained in this 2014 article by a priest (with a doctorate in theology) who worked for multiple popes. Mr. Keating says: “I’m unaware of such claims arising from any quarter until several recent popes disliked by these Traditionalists were canonized, including John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. Usually Paul VI receives the most opprobrium.” Mr. Keating is incorrect; e.g. Father John Vianney, several centuries ago, taught clearly that canonizations are not infallible. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen would be another example, although clearly much more recent than Saint John Vianney.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Vatican II Changed Wedding Propers?
    It’s often claimed that the wedding propers were changed after Vatican II. As a matter of fact, that is a false claim. The EDITIO VATICANA propers (Introit: Deus Israel) remained the same after Vatican II. However, a new set of propers (Introit: Ecce Deus) was provided for optional use. The same holds true for the feast of Pope Saint Gregory the Great on 3 September: the 1943 propers (Introit: Si díligis me) were provided for optional use, but the traditional PROPRIA MISSAE (Introit: Sacerdótes Dei) were retained; they weren’t gotten rid of. The Ordo Cantus Missae (1970) makes this crystal clear, as does the Missal itself. There was an effort made in the post-conciliar years to eliminate so-called “Neo-Gregorian” chants, but (contrary to popular belief) most were retained: cf. the feast of Christ the King, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and so forth.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    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

Random Quote

“The replies to this committee (of which Mgr Bugnini was the secretary) reveal a desire to reform the liturgy. In what sense? Out of 2,109 responses from bishops, just three expressed the desire to restore Communion under both kinds. There was a sizable demand for limited use of the vernacular, but only one French bishop wanted the entire Mass in French.”

— Fr. Dominic Allain (2019)

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