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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 • “How To Serve Mass” (1651)

Jeff Ostrowski · November 29, 2017

3770 Sperabo ERY LITTLE has escaped our perusal when it comes to research materials for the St. Jean de Brébeuf Hymnal. We even look through ancient Roman Catholic Primers, which (believe it or not) translate into English the Breviary hymns, and some of these books date back more than 400 years—not long after the time of King Henry VIII. As Eamon Duffy has pointed out, however, such Primers contain much more than English hymn translations.

The following was taken from a 1651AD Primer:

    * *  PDF Download • “How to serve Mass” (1651AD)

The Brébeuf hymnal does have beautiful hymn texts and tunes by modern composers and Catholics poets—but we also include some excellent ancient hymns. I’ve never seen any book that comes close to what we’re putting together, and I find myself in awe of the knowledge displayed by the scholars serving on our hymnal committee. And I end up feeling pretty inadequate!

A few excerpts:

When you see the Priest spread his Hands over the Chalice,
light your Wax-Candle; kneel, and with your other Hand
hold up the Vestment, till the Elevation be past;
that done, kiss the Vestment, put out the Candle;
and so often as you pass by the Blessed Sacrament,
do Reverence on your Knees.

[ … ]

The Clerk kneeling must give the Pax to the Priest to kiss,
and answer, “P. Pax tecum. C. Et cum spiritu tuo.”
Pausing a little, arise, make Adoration to the Sacrament,
give the Pax to those present, observe Order of calling, and Years:
Which done, be ready to give Wine and Water to the Priest;
and if there be Communicants, provide Towel and Taper,
and say Confiteor: After they have received the Host,
give them Wine, remove the Book to the Left Hand
of the Altar, take away the Towel, depart to your former place.

[ … ]

So put out the Candles, and look they spoil not
the Altar-Clothes, and lay up all handsomely.
If you have leisure, meditate a while, kiss the Altar, saying,
“I will adore in the Place where his Feet stood,” and depart.

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

Filed Under: Articles, PDF Download 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 Michigan. —(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    “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
    “Music List” • 21st in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Our choir returns on Sunday, 24 August 2025. Some have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for it, which is the 21st 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. When it comes to the feast of the Assumption (15 August 2025), I have uploaded the music list for that Mass—but not the “bi-lingual” Mass in the evening (Spanish, Latin, and English) which has completely different music.
    —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

“The pope regrets that this trade in African slaves, that he believed having ceased, is still exercised in some regions and even more cruel way. He begs and begs the King of Portugal that it implement all its authority and wisdom to extirpate this unholy and abominable shame.”

— ‘Pope Pius VII, writing to the King of Portugal’

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