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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 Los Angeles.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

Quick Thoughts

    “Glory To God” • (For Choir + Congregation)
    I wish to thank everyone for the nice comments I received vis-à-vis my Glory To God setting for Choir & Congregation. A gentleman with a musical doctorate from Indiana University wrote: “Love this setting so much. And I will pray, as you asked, for your return to composition more fully. You are very very good.” A female choir director wrote: “I love your harmonizations, your musicality, and the wonderful interplay you have with dissonance and consonance in your music. So fun to listen to, and great for intellect, heart, and soul!” A young woman from California wrote: “Thank you for releasing your new Glory To God in honor of Saint Noel Chabanel. I'm enjoying reading through the various parts and listening to your recordings.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    William Byrd • “Mass for Five Voices”
    Our volunteer choir is learning the “Sanctus” from William Byrd’s Mass for Five Voices. You can hear a short excerpt (recorded last Sunday) but please ignore the sound of babies crying: Mp3 recording. We still have work to do—but we’re on the right track. Once we have some of the tuning issues fixed, I desire to use it as an example proving volunteers can sing complicated polyphony.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Baptism” • A Unique Hymn
    Father Christopher Phillips is the founding Pastor of Our Lady of the Atonement Catholic Church. One of his hymns is unique and (in my humble opinion) quite beautiful. His hymn is basically a prayer to the Holy Trinity but also speaks of Baptism and the Holy Eucharist. It would be an ideal Communion hymn on Trinity Sunday or the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. You can hear live recording from last Sunday by clicking here.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“In older times we referred to humans as the human race, but according to this foundation we are being classed with the animals on the farm, the cow, the horse, the mule […] According to this foundation, I have no right to be born, for I am the youngest of 16 children, and God bless my mother for every one of them!”

— Archbishop Schrembs (d. 1945) vs. a foundation promoting artificial contraception

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