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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

The New Lectionary & “Voice of God” Hymns

Jeff Ostrowski · February 10, 2025

OR ALMOST TWO decades, we’ve been assured a new LECTIONARY for the United States is “forthcoming.” According to highly placed officials at the USCCB, it could be here as early as 2029. On the other hand, those in charge of liturgical matters do whatever they please at any given moment—and they answer to no one. Even a basic question like which feasts in the United States are holy days of obligation has been ensnared in an absurd quarrel between several Vatican dicasteries. When it comes to what Monsignor Skeris called “the USCCB Liturgy Club,” it’s crucial to remember that promises—even legal threats—made in the past mean absolutely nothing (as I recently attempted to explain). As an American politician once said: “That was then; this is now.” It’s a scandalous situation … but what can any of us do? Perhaps it’s best to simply accept it.

Specificity! Specificity! • When Hitler was gaining power in Germany, he promised something “new.” He promised “a departure from the past.” Hitler did deliver something new—but was it better? Foolish people assume “new” is synonymous with “better.” As I’ve explained with examples provided, in many instances the so-called ABBEY PSALMS AND CANTICLES is virtually identical to previous versions, including the NAB. I ask again: Why specifically are they revising the LECTIONARY? What are some specific items they plan to fix?

Sad + Scandalous • Certain passages in our current LECTIONARY without question need to be revised. Look at the GOSPEL for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) and you’ll see it was bowdlerized in a shameful and scandalous way by people who don’t believe human beings have a “soul.” Are these same folks the ones who will be “fixing” the LECTIONARY? Why haven’t we seen a list with specific examples that need to be fixed? I have my doubts…

“Voice Of God” Hymns • As I recently explained, it makes sense to try to “even out” translations so they can be sung. Yet seven decades after Vatican II this still hasn’t been done in the United States—so forgive my skepticism. A good example comes from yesterday, where the ALLELUIA VERSE “broke the tone” because it was jagged:

Come after me
and I will make you fishers of men.

That could easily be fixed (as it was in the Spanish LECTIONARY):

Come after me, says the Lord,
and I will make you fishers of men.

Indeed, the traditional Gregorian Chant often has “dicit Dóminus.” This helps to eliminate something many hate: viz. “Voice of God Hymns.”

Inconsistencies • Speaking of yesterday’s Mass, the Responsorial Psalm says “In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.” Then (just a few seconds later) we hear: “In the presence of the angels I will sing your praise.” Part of the problem is that various companies own different sections of the LECTIONARY.1 Another problem is the constant and unending search for the most ‘authentic’ psalm manuscript, which becomes obsessed with each new trend.

On the other hand, such inconsistencies have always been part of the sacred liturgy (even in the Traditional Latin Mass). Just one example: “Cum Clamarem” vs. “Dum Clamarem” for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost. As Father Adrian Fortescue wrote in 1912:

The text of the Introit, as of all the chants of the Mass, is taken not from the Vulgate but from the old Itala. It will be remembered that the fact that people were accustomed to sing the Itala text at Mass was the great hindrance to the spread of the Vulgate.

At this point, the USCCB has approved so many “variant” versions of the Responsorial Psalm—which will remain as valid options so long as they are sung—only a fool would believe that this toothpaste can be placed back in the tube.

1 By the way, the sale of (mandatory) indulgenced prayers is immoral. Someday they will have to make restitution for this—which will amount to billions and billions of dollars.

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Abbey Psalms and Canticles, New Lectionary Edition USA, Novus Ordo Lectionary, Novus Ordo Lectionary Reform, Online Latin Lectionary, Rev Fr Adrian Fortescue Liturgy, Voice of God Hymns Last Updated: February 10, 2025

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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

    “Music List” • 17th in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Some have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I prepared for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (27 July 2025). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are conveniently stored at the the feasts website.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Communion • “Ask & You Shall Receive”
    All of the chants for 27 July 2025 have been added to the feasts website, as usual under a convenient “drop down” menu. The COMMUNION ANTIPHON (both text and melody) are exceedingly beautiful and ancient.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Jeff’s Mother Joins Our Fundraiser
    To assist our fundraiser, Mrs. Kathleen Ostrowski has drawn several beautiful sketches which she offers to all our readers free of charge. If you have a moment, I invite you download them at this link.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Pope Pius XII Hymnal?
    Have you ever heard of the Pope Pius XII Hymnal? It’s a real book, published in the United States in 1959. Here’s a sample page so you can verify with your own eyes it existed.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Hybrid” Chant Notation?
    Over the years, many have tried to ‘simplify’ plainsong notation. The O’Fallon Propers attempted to simplify the notation—but ended up making matters worse. Dr. Karl Weinmann tried to do the same in the time of Pope Saint Pius X by replacing each porrectus. You can examine a specimen from his edition and see whether you agree he complicated matters. In particular, look at what he did with éxsules fílii Hévae.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Antiphons Don’t Match?
    A reader wants to know why the Entrance and Communion antiphons in certain publications deviate from what’s prescribed by the GRADUALE ROMANUM published after Vatican II. Click here to read our answer. The short answer is: the Adalbert Propers were never intended to be sung. They were intended for private Masses only (or Masses without music). The “Graduale Parvum,” published by the John Henry Newman Institute of Liturgical Music in 2023, mostly uses the Adalbert Propers—but sometimes uses the GRADUALE text: e.g. Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul (29 June).
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

“The Saint Jean de Brébeuf Hymnal will undoubtedly enrich liturgical life at the parish level by making accessible these ancient, noble, and theologically-rich Catholic hymns, translated into English in quite a beautiful way.”

— Rev. Fr. John Berg (Superior General, Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter) 30-NOV-2018

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