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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

Update! • Accompaniments for the Brébeuf Hymnal

Jeff Ostrowski · February 14, 2019

E HAVE RECEIVED an update regarding the organ accompaniments for the Brébeuf Hymnal. I’ve been helping proofread for months and could not be more excited about them! To read the update, please visit the Brébeuf website and scroll to the bottom. Oh, if only…

If only you knew how much work is going on “behind the scenes” for the Brébeuf Hymnal. You ain’t seen nothing yet! We have truly amazing things planned. One of the most important is a “hymn planning guide” that will greatly assist those who use the Brébeuf Hymnal. Incidentally, here is an example of how the accompaniments sound:


Visit the Brébeuf Hymnal and locate number 266 to hear the other voices: SOPRANO, ALTO, TENOR, and BASS. Many readers won’t do that, which makes me sad. The Tenor voice is really cool. You should see it.

HE ENGLISH VERSION given in that video for Jesu Redemptor Omnium was created by Monsignor Ronald Knox, who was a total genius. Look how closely he matches the literal translation of the Latin, while still rendering the text singable:


Version by Monsignor Knox:

1. Savior of all, for ever One
With God the Father; only Son,
Whom he alone, when time was not,
Past our imagining, begot,

2. Splendor and light of his own fire,
Eternal hope of man’s desire,
Look down and hear the prayers that we
In world-wide homage make to thee.


Accurate Translation of the Latin:

O Christ, Redeemer of all,
Only-begotten of the Father,
alone born of the Father
inexpressibly and before the beginning:

2. Thou light, thou radiance of the Father,
thou undying hope of all,
pay heed to the prayers that thy servants
pour forth throughout the earth.


Now compare that to something chosen as the 2020 “synod hymn” for the (Roman Catholic) Archdiocese of Liverpool:

85408 synod hymn


You can click here to hear a performance. If you think I’m pulling your leg, visit their website, and download a pdf of that hymn.

The Brébeuf Hymnal is based on the authentic core of Catholic hymnody. We completely reject many of the modern songs found in publications by the “Big Three,” such as this example from the Worship Hymnal (GIA). I don’t wish to be divisive, hurtful, or argumentative; but neither will I pretend the Brébeuf Hymnal is “basically the same” as other publications. It’s not.

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Jean de Brebeuf Hymnal 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

    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

“And thus, when we renounce for Thee | Its restless aims and fears, | The tender mem’ries of the past, | The hopes of coming years, | Poor is our sacrifice, whose eyes | Are lighted from above; | We offer what we cannot keep, | What we have ceased to love.”

— Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman

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