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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

Did Pope Francis Just Publicly Rebuke the Prefect of Divine Worship?

Jeff Ostrowski · February 7, 2023

HOSE WHO STUDY papal pronouncements and decrees are taught to take into consideration—that is, seek to understand—the “mind of the lawgiver.” Since our blog is concerned with the sacred liturgy, it’s worth noting something that took place recently. On 3 February 2023, Pope Francis met with the Catholic bishops of the Democratic Republic of Congo. His Holiness responded to a hypothetical retort: “But I don’t know, because the code [of Canon Law] tells me…” Then Pope Francis said: “We must observe the code, because it is serious, but the heart of the pastor goes beyond it.”

Traditiónis Custódes • What is the mind of the lawgiver when it comes to Traditionis Custodes, a Motu Proprio which sought to slow down the spread of the Traditional Latin Mass? The lawgiver has emphasized having a “pastoral heart” rather than a rigid, legalistic, and restrictive application. Indeed, Pope Francis said on 13 July 2022: “Be open to acceptance, and hence to the value of inclusion. Don’t let yourselves be drawn into short-sighted ideologies that want to show others—those who are different from ourselves—as enemies.” On 26 September 2021, Pope Francis said: “The Holy Spirit does not want closedness; He wants openness, and welcoming communities where there is a place for everyone.”

Cardinal Roche In The Crosshairs? • Arthur Cardinal Roche has not had an easy time of it lately. Not long ago, he was publicly contradicted by Pope Francis vis-à-vis the traditional PONTIFICALE ROMANUM. On 16 June 2022, Cardinal Roche made shameful comments about Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, which came off as ill-conceived and churlish. Now, the words of Pope Francis to the bishops of the Democratic Republic of Congo are being interpreted as a public rebuke of the beleaguered Roche. Cardinal Roche (in a way some feel approaches “megalomania”) has endorsed an overly-rigid, overly-restrictive interpretation of Traditionis Custodes. Cardinal Roche even published a letter encouraging parishes to ostracize and belittle Catholics who have an appreciation for the Extraordinary Form, which—before being made a cardinal—Archbishop Roche had praised as more “reverent” (his word) than the Ordinary Form.

Jeff’s Advice • I will not repeat what I said in the open letter I published (reluctantly, and with deep sadness). But I do have some advice for Cardinal Roche: Stop encouraging parishioners to ostracize Catholics manifesting what Pope Saint John Paul II referred to as “legitimate aspirations.” Our church does not need more division. The Second Vatican Council declared: “Even in the Liturgy, the Church has no wish to impose a rigid uniformity in matters which do not implicate the faith or the good of the whole community.” Cardinal Roche, your time would be better spent addressing the catastrophically serious liturgical abuses which are causing great harm to the church and, thanks to the internet, irreparable scandal. It certainly seems absurdly evil to claim—as Cardinal Roche has done—that’s it’s wrong to celebrate the ancient Mass inside a parish church, but virtually anything else (such as choir rehearsal, tours of the statues, speeches, graduations, concerts, cleaning the pews, etc.) is not wrong when it takes place in the self-same parish church.

Roche’s Anger? • Needless to say, I cannot read Cardinal Roche’s heart. But in my opinion, he seems irritated by the response of (most) bishops to TRADITIONIS CUSTODES. That document placed the liturgy more firmly under the control of the local bishop, and Cardinal Roche seems opposed to this. The “Ordinary Form” Catholics have possession of all the property, schools, rectories, chanceries, universities, and churches, whereas the “Extraordinary Form” Catholics have absolutely nothing—so it’s difficult to understand why Cardinal Roche is obsessed with belittling and ostracizing them. Indeed, Cardinal Roche should seriously consider reading what Nathan told King David. If memory serves, Roche only served as bishop of a diocese for a very short period of time before going into bureaucratic posts. He seems unaware of a very important Church law, which says: The salvation of souls is the supreme law of the Church.

Legal Positivism • There’s an old saying: “For their enemies, evil men impose Canon Law; for their friends, evil men interpret Canon Law.” Cardinal Roche seems to be endorsing an overly-rigid interpretation of TRADITIONIS CUSTODES. But if one reads the document with rigidity, it doesn’t attack the 1962 Missal at all. The precise words of TRADITIONIS CUSTODES attempt to slow the spread of “the Missal antecedent to the reform of 1970”—which is the 1965 Missal, not the 1962 Missal.

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: 1965 Missal, Bishop Arthur Roche, Traditionis Custodes Motu Proprio Last Updated: February 8, 2023

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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 • “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

The “Nova Organi Harmonia” demanded from each of us an unusual commitment; we have dedicated to it the best of our energies. Would it be, therefore, presumptuous on our part to be satisfied with the result and to expect its welcome reception in the musical world?

— Msgr. Jules Van Nuffel (circa 1940)

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