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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

Introducing The Saint Hildegard Project

Daniel Tucker · January 15, 2023

Members of The Saint Hildegard Project. (Photo by James Richardson)

HANKS TO THE LEADERSHIP AND VISION of Mr. Jerome Cole, the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend has been blessed by the presence of a new Catholic sacred music ensemble called The Saint Hildegard Project. Made up of local music directors and area musicians, the Saint Hildegard Project “seeks to communicate the beauty of the Roman Catholic liturgical tradition through the Church’s rich treasury of sacred music. Comprised of men and women who share a fervent devotion to the music itself, The Saint Hildegard Project strives to teach with integrity and perform with excellence for the edification of souls and the glory of God.”

In a letter endorsing the group, the local Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades remarks that he is grateful to The Saint Hildegard Project for “embarking on the important local work of promoting a deeper appreciation for the Church’s rich musical heritage.” He quotes the Second Vatican Council’s constitution on the sacred liturgy, Sacrosanctum concilium, which emphasizes that “the musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art” (112). Finally, Bp. Rhoades notes the “true evangelizing potential of sacred music,” with its power to “exude beauty and lead souls to give sincere, joyful glory to God.”

Their inaugural concert was given this past November at St. Joseph’s church in Mishawaka, IN. The program featured music on Eucharistic themes, including works from the Gregorian repertoire as well as music by Palestrina, Byrd, Victoria, and others. Some live recordings from that concert are available below:

Byrd: Ave Verum Corpus

Palestrina: O Salutaris Hostia

Victoria: Jesu Dulcis Memoria

Salve Regina (Solemn Tone with Drone)

In addition to performing music from the rich patrimony of the Church, The Saint Hildegard Project also engages in educational outreach to local Catholic schools and parishes throughout the diocese. In the coming months, they will be leading two workshops on behalf of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend for the purpose of teaching other local music directors to lead Vespers in their parishes and to select doctrinally-orthodox Eucharistic hymnody for employment in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. More information about The Saint Hildegard Project’s members, aims, and upcoming activities can be found at their website, https://www.hildegardproject.org.

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

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: January 15, 2023

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About Daniel Tucker

Daniel Tucker is choirmaster at the Cathedral of St. Matthew in South Bend, IN. He holds degrees from Western Michigan University and Yale University. —(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    New Bulletin Article • “21 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 21 September 2025) discusses some theological items—supported by certain verses in ancient Catholic hymns—and ends by explaining why certain folks become delirious with jealousy when they observe feats by Monsignor Ronald Knox.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!
    It’s always amusing to see old diocesan newspapers—in huge capital letters—advertising the Cheapest Catholic Paper in the United States. The correspondent who sent this to me added: “I can think of certain composers, published by large companies in our own day, who could truthfully brag about the most tawdry compositions in the world!” I wonder what she could have meant by such a cryptic comment…
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • Dom Murray Harmonies
    Along with so many others, I have deep respect for Dom Gregory Gregory Murray, who produced this clever harmonization (PDF) of “O SANCTISSIMA.” It’s always amazed me that Dom Gregory—a truly inspired composer—was so confused when it came to GREGORIAN CHANT. Throughout his life, he published contradictory statements, veering back-and-forth like a weather vane. Toward the end of his life, he declared: “I see clearly that the need for reform in liturgical music arose, not in the 18th and 19th centuries, but a thousand years earlier—in the 8th and 9th centuries, or even before that. The abuses began, not with Mozart and Haydn, but with those over-enthusiastic medieval musicians who developed the elaborate and flamboyant Gregorian Chant.”
    —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

“What really matters in life is that we are loved by Christ and that we love Him in return. In comparison to the love of Jesus, everything else is secondary. And, without the love of Jesus, everything is useless.”

— Pope John Paul II (1979)

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