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Corpus Christi Watershed

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

Aristotle A. Esguerra

Aristotle A. Esguerra has served in the Diocese of Madison since 2009 as music director at the churches of St. Mary, Pine Bluff and St. Ignatius, Mount Horeb, and as the chant instructor to the Cistercian Nuns of Valley of Our Lady Monastery, Prairie du Sac. Read more.

Aristotle A. Esguerra · February 14, 2015

Modal Responsorial Psalms & Gospel Acclamations

283 pages, softcover • View Table of Contents Click here to purchase this bound book. You can also download the entire book [PDF]. Complete Psalms and Gospel Acclamations (Years A, B, C, and ABC) for Sundays, Solemnities, and Feasts (including Chrism Mass and Extended Pentecost Vigil). Also included are Nuptial and Funeral Masses.  Features: Durable […]

Aristotle A. Esguerra · June 17, 2013

Singing Scripture throughout Mass: Why We Must and How We Might

For a long while I’ve been ruminating on the nature of the Liturgy, Scripture as found in the Mass Propers, the Golden Calf narrative (thanks to Ratzinger’s Spirit of the Liturgy), Good Friday tradition, and episcopal authority. Here are some semi-organized thoughts on the matter.

Aristotle A. Esguerra · April 29, 2013

A preview of Modal Responsorial Psalms and Gospel Acclamations: Round-note SATB Edition

In the near future Corpus Christi Watershed will be releasing the round-note SATB edition of Modal Responsorial Psalms and Gospel Acclamations See a sneak peek of the settings for the Extended Pentecost Vigil here.

Aristotle A. Esguerra · March 25, 2013

The Cross of Christ and Liturgical Language

To effectively defend the use of the liturgical languages of the Latin Rite in the rite’s mostly vernacular Ordinary-Form expressions, we must look to the Cross.

Aristotle A. Esguerra · March 4, 2013

An Ordinary-Form Missa Cantata (almost)

Moving towards actually enacting what the Church asks in regard to the singing of the words of the Mass given the Year of Faith theme for our diocese. An example of how this can be pulled off with already-existing resources and a few dedicated individuals.

Aristotle A. Esguerra · February 25, 2013

A Deacon on Devotional and Liturgical Music

Just because devotional music isn’t meant for liturgy doesn’t mean that it’s bad per se. A deacon’s brief observations between devotional and liturgical music.

Aristotle A. Esguerra · February 18, 2013

First Impressions of Bishop Sample’s Pastoral Letter on Sacred Music

A bishop issues diocesan-wide directives on the role of music in the liturgy. A look at some of the more noteworthy instructions.

Aristotle A. Esguerra · January 12, 2013

Aristotle A. Esguerra

Aristotle has served since 2009 as music director of two churches . . .

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    PDF Download • 3 September
    According to the MISSALE RECENS, the Feast of Saint Gregory the Great occurs on 3 September (the date Gregory became pope). Formerly, his feast was celebrated during Lent, on 12 March (the day Gregory died). In Latin, the feast is: Die 3 Septembris: S. Gregorii Magni, papæ et Ecclesiæ doctoris. you can download the Latin Introit, the Latin Offertory, as well as the Communion with gorgeous fauxbordon in English. Abbat Joseph Pothier—along with Dom André Mocquereau, Bishop Laurent Janssens, Father De Santi, and other Gregorian superstars—sang with a choir of 1,210 voices (from 36 different Roman colleges) under the direction of Monsignor Antonio Rella. That Mass included the “Alma cohors,” a special SEQUENCE for Saint Gregory…much to the dismay of those who believe in strict adherence to rubrics. The Mass on 11 April 1904 was celebrated by Pope Saint Pius X, at the great GREGORIAN CONGRESS held in Rome “to mark the 13th Centenary of the death of Saint Gregory the Great.” Someday, there’s much I’d love to say about this congress. We even have recordings (!) from it (made in 1904 by the Gramophone Company) with choirs conducted by Dom Pothier, Dom Mocquereau, Dom Janssens, Monsignor Rella, Baron Kanzler, and others.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    New Bulletin Article • “7 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 is called: “Professor Bouyer’s Regret.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Cardinal Ranjith on “Active Participation”
    From 2005–2009, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith served as Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. He was considered ‘papabile’ during the last conclave. On 8 December 2008, he wrote this powerful statement concerning Gregorian Chant, participatio actuosa, celebration “ad orientem,” and other subjects. When it comes to the question of what “sacred” means, Monsignor Robert A. Skeris provides a marvelous answer.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    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
    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

Random Quote

“As late as 1834, British society had many restrictions on any person not adhering to the Anglican church. For example, Roman Catholics could not attend a university, serve on a city council, be a member of Parliament, serve in the armed forces, or even serve on a jury.”

— Regarding the Church of Henry VIII

Recent Posts

  • Is ‘Chant’ a Generic Word for ‘Sing’ ? • No!
  • PDF Download • 3 September
  • PDF Download • “Full, Conscious, & Active Participation” (12-page pamphlet)
  • New Bulletin Article • “7 September 2025”
  • Online Breviary With Chant

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