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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

“Ah, Holy Jesus” • Lent + Passiontide Hymn

Jeff Ostrowski · March 20, 2022

OBODY SEEMS TO KNOW anything about “Edward C. Currie,” who was deeply involved with the creation of the New Saint Basil Hymnal (1958). Indeed, the dates of his birth & death seem a mystery. In any event, Mr. Currie complained bitterly about hymn lyrics that “unduly emphasize the human nature of the Savior,” and declared such texts to be “positively harmful.” Regarding many of the texts in the Old Saint Basil Hymnal, he was undoubtedly correct, and (in a moment), I’ll have something to say regarding harmful movements in the Catholic Church.

Above Reproach: I have no idea what Mr. Currie thought of “Herzliebster Jesu” (a Passiontide Chorale). It was not included in the New Saint Basil, but other fine Catholic hymnals do include it, such as the London Oratory Hymn Book (1998) and the Brébeuf hymnal (2018). Dr. Marier’s hymnal and the New Westminster Hymnal include the tune, but use a different text. Below is the hymn we’re discussing, which I consider above reproach. According to the Brébeuf footnotes, the text is based on passages from Meditationes Divi Augustini by John of Fécamp, a Benedictine Abbot who died in 1097AD.

Rehearsal videos for each individual voice await you at #692.

Whispering During Improvisation? Last Sunday, the females sang this hymn. They sang in unison—since we didn’t have time to rehearse SATB parts. Then, while improvising on the organ, I whispered to them “Add the Alto line!” Listen to how well they did:

*  Mp3 Download • “Ah, Holy Jesus” (Live Recording)

Also, check out this recording by the fabulous females in our volunteer parish choir.

Failed Movements: Mr. Currie made reference to a “bad movement” in the Church. Throughout the history of the Church, certain clerics have promulgated errors. (I wish I could say otherwise, but we must face the truth.) One particularly dangerous “movement” was Jansenism, started by the Roman Catholic bishop of Ypres. The Church is made up of frail, human, sinful men. Indeed, Judas Iscariot was chosen by our Lord to be one of the Apostles!

Rebuking Roche: These days, it seems like the Church’s “human side” is all too apparent. The current head of the Congregation for Divine Worship, Archbishop Arthur Roche, publicly attempted to ban the traditional Pontificale. But such an assertion was strongly rebuked by Pope Francis with a decree (02/11/2022). Some clerics at the Vatican have also tried to pretend the “Extraordinary Form” ceased to exist when the clock struck midnight on 15 July 2021. And yet, in the most recent high-level document from the Vatican—Praedicate Evangelium (03/19/2022)—such a notion is contradicted explicitly. The sad reality is that “careerism” in the Catholic Church is nothing new, although we’ve had some success eliminating nepotism.1

Fulton J. Sheen’s Response: Before his death on 17 January 2020, I would often ask Father Valentine on the telephone: “How are you doing, Father?” His answer was always the same: “As good as God wants.” The point is simple: God is the Creator, we are His creatures. We might exclaim: “I don’t understand why God allows powerful clerics to embrace heresy and lead the faithful astray.” But what good does such complaining accomplish? The response of holy saints—even when they observed scandals—remains simple: “Lord, do with me what Thou wilt.” And we should be careful … because Fulton J. Sheen used to say that if the Church were as holy as we wish, we’d be too afraid to join because of our sins.

New Choir Members: Let’s not waste our energy on Church scandals. Instead, let’s move forward with faith, hope, and charity! This season, my choirs gained approximately fifteen (15) new members—and they’re doing extremely well. Last Sunday, they sang a hymn to Saint Joseph (since 19 March was his feast day), and you can listen to how they did:

*  Mp3 Download • Hymn to Saint Joseph
—This hymn is #791 in The Saint Jean de Brébeuf Hymnal.

Crucial Techniques: I introduced a “Kyrie Eleison” from Verdelot’s Missa Philomena a few weeks ago, and we’re learning it in sections. You can listen to our attempt—and remember this is the first time several of these singers have ever sung a cappella polyphony! Powerful techniques do exist which will help your volunteer choir sound amazing. You don’t have to be fearful once you start taking advantage of these techniques. This year, Sacred Music Symposium 2022 is dedicated to sharing these techniques with you. Instead of dreading working with amateurs, come to the symposium! You will learn how working with volunteer choirs can be a source of spectacular joy!


NOTES FROM THIS ARTICLE:

1 In their pursuit of power, some clerics seem willing to make any statement—no matter how preposterous! Again, this is nothing new in the life of the Church. For instance, back in 1951, a clandestine Vatican committee (Commissio Piana) enacted a rather sloppy reform of the Easter Vigil. The major changes were: (1) modifications of the Easter Candle blessing; (2) elimination of much Sacred Scripture; (3) substituting a rather “cheap” glass container for the ancient baptistery; and (4) changing the time of the ceremony, based upon an incorrect historical hypothesis. In a shameless and bizarre speech in 1966, Annibale Bugnini had the nerve to say this botched reform brought “a breath of new life to the whole Church.” Annibale Bugnini went on to say that the experimental Easter Vigil “came like a sweet scented spring in full blossom.” What a curious thing to say! What sane person would equate eliminating Scripture readings with the “scent” of spring blossoms?

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Commissio Piana, Edward C Currie, Herzliebster Jesu Hymn, New Saint Basil Hymnal, Passiontide Chorale, Praedicate Evangelium Last Updated: April 13, 2022

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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

“Eucharistic Prayer II, on account of its particular features, is more appropriately used on weekdays or in special circumstances.”

— §365 from the “General Instruction for the Roman Missal”

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  • New Bulletin Article • “14 September 2025”
  • PDF Download • Croft’s “Canonic Kyrie” (SATB)
  • Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”

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