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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

    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

If it is the explicit will of the Council that the faithful are to be able to sing the “Gloria” or the “Credo” together in Latin [which it is] then indirectly there is being expressed here the obligation of regularly celebrating Mass with Latin Gregorian chant. And not merely occasionally, but with such frequency and constancy as to make the singing of these Latin texts a genuine possession of the faithful.

— Heinrich Flatten, Apostolic Protonotary & Canon Law Professor (Bonn)

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