• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Corpus Christi Watershed

“What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too…” Pope Benedict XVI (7 July 2007)

  • Our Team
  • Pew Resources
    • Brébeuf Catholic Hymnal
    • Jogues Illuminated Missal
    • Campion Missal, 3rd Edition
  • MUSICAL WEBSITES
    • René Goupil Gregorian Chant
    • Noël Chabanel Psalms
    • Nova Organi Harmonia (2,279 pages)
    • Lalemant Polyphonic
    • Saint Antoine Daniel KYRIALE
  • Miscellaneous
    • Site Map
    • Emporium Kevin Allen
    • Roman Missal, 3rd Edition
    • Saint Jean de Lalande Library
    • Sacred Music Symposium 2023
  • Donate
Views from the Choir Loft

“Lætáre Jerúsalem” • Introit (4th Sunday of Lent)

Jeff Ostrowski · March 16, 2023

T IS A GREAT paradox that, pretending to honor the “spirit” of Vatican II, many post-conciliar reformers flagrantly contradict its specific mandates. For example, Vatican II solemnly declared: “No other person, even if he be a priest, may add, remove, or change anything in the Liturgy on his own authority.” And yet, the post-conciliar reformers have denigrated and (virtually) eliminated the very texts of the sacred liturgy to such an extent that 95% of churches never sing, proclaim, or even read the Propria Missae. For example, how many Catholics (who attend the Ordinary Form) could recite from memory a single Introit antiphon? How many Catholics (who attend the Ordinary Form) have never—in their entire lives—heard even one Offertory antiphon?

“Lætare Sunday” • Consider this coming Sunday, which is LAETARE SUNDAY—the special day in Lent when priests wear rose-colored vestments. Why is it called “Lætare” Sunday? The reason is because the Propria Missæ speak of rejoicing. The Introit begins: “Lætáre, Jerúsalem … gaudéte cum lætítia” The Introit verse says: “Lætátus sum…” The Gradual begins: “Lætátus sum…” The Offertory antiphon begins: “Laudáte Dóminum…”

Rehearsal Video • To assist my volunteer choir, I have attempted to create this rehearsal videos for this coming Sunday’s INTROIT, sung according to the official rhythm of the Catholic Church:

M Direct link to video: https://ccwatershed.org/41871/

We’ve Been Here Before • It is true that I lament (above) the way that the post-conciliar Church has virtually abandoned the Mass Propers, in spite of what Vatican II said. But it’s okay. Our Church has seen hard times before, and we can rebuild. After all, Saint John Vianney himself did not even grow up with the Roman Rite—although I think he eventually adopted it—owing to a number of catastrophic events that transformed the Church in France before he was born.

Addendum:

A 2023 ‘live’ recording by a volunteer choir:

M Direct link to video: https://ccwatershed.org/41776/

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Editio Vaticana, Guillaume Couture Gregorian Chant, Lætare Sunday, Pink Vestments Pink Chasuble, Rose Colored Vestments Last Updated: March 21, 2023

Subscribe

It greatly helps us if you subscribe to our mailing list!

* indicates required

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).

Primary Sidebar

Corpus Christi Watershed

Quick Thoughts

    PDF • “For the Season of Pentecost”
    During the season of Pentecost, you might consider using this 2-page Piece “for the season of Pentecost.” Rehearsal videos are available at #40691, but the lyrics are different. Therefore, make sure your choir members understand that one can rehearse songs that have different lyrics (“CONTRAFACT”).
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Introit • (This Coming Sunday)
    Our volunteer choir appreciates training videos, so here's my attempt at recording “Exáudi Dómine Vocem Meam,” which is the INTROIT for this coming Sunday. This coming Sunday is Dominica Post Ascensionem (“Sunday after the feast of the Ascension”). It is sung according to the official rhythm of the Catholic Church.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Volunteer Choir Attempts “Kýrie Eléison”
    My volunteer choir attempted the polyphonic KYRIE that will be sung at this year's Sacred Music Symposium. If you're interested, you can listen to the live recording from last Sunday. The piece is based on the ancient plainchant hymn melody: Ave Maris Stella. Polyphony like this is truly intricate and wonderful. It reminds me of the quote by Artur Schnabel: “music that's greater than it can be performed.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“Orlando de Lassus died in Munich on 14 June 1594, the selfsame day his employer decided to dismiss him for economic reasons. He never saw the letter.”

— New Grove

Recent Posts

  • PDF • “For the Season of Pentecost”
  • The Choir Journal: A Choir Director’s Best Friend
  • “Are Church Musicians Paid Enough?” • 5 Solutions
  • Analysis • “Archaic and Quack Ideas on Chant”
  • “Singing Advice” • Frank Sinatra to Ronald Reagan

Subscribe

Subscribe

* indicates required

Copyright © 2023 Corpus Christi Watershed · Isaac Jogues on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Corpus Christi Watershed is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to exploring and embodying as our calling the relationship of religion, culture, and the arts. This non-profit organization employs the creative media in service of theology, the Church, and Christian culture for the enrichment and enjoyment of the public.