Views from the Choir Loft

Father Friel • Article Archive

Ordained in 2011, Father Friel served as Parochial Vicar at Saint Anselm Church in Northeast Philly before earning a doctorate in liturgical theology at The Catholic University of America. He presently serves as Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.—(Read full biography).

Fr. David Friel · May 3, 2020

Throwing Away Our Birthright of Beauty

Thoughts from St. Athanasius the Great

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Fr. David Friel · April 19, 2020

The Offertory Antiphons of the Easter Octave

United by the theme of sacred “commercium”

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Fr. David Friel · April 5, 2020

Craving the Body of Christ

Insights from Joseph of Arimathea

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Fr. David Friel · April 2, 2020

Repeating Repertoire? • Father Friel

The merits of repetition and variation.

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Fr. David Friel · March 22, 2020

“Separated from the Sacraments” • Stories from Walter Ciszek, SJ

A missionary in Soviet Russia, Fr. Ciszek learned the spirituality of surrender through tremendous suffering.

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Fr. David Friel · March 20, 2020

CDW Guidelines for Holy Week 2020

The Congregation has released a short document with pertinent guidance.

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Fr. David Friel · March 18, 2020

A Word of Encouragement

For those who are separated from the liturgical life of the Church on account of COVID-19.

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Fr. David Friel · March 10, 2020

Liturgical Custody of the Eyes

Guarding the Sense of Sight so as to Promote Participation

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Fr. David Friel · February 23, 2020

Exploring the 5th/6th-Century Mosaics of Ravenna

These magnificent images are not only attractive to behold, but also deeply theological.

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Fr. David Friel · February 17, 2020

Imposing the Classical Style on Public Building Projects?

A rumored executive order would unify the architectural style of future projects and upgrades.

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Fr. David Friel · February 16, 2020

New Work from Paul Jernberg

The composer has begun a new and worthwhile blogging project.

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Fr. David Friel · January 26, 2020

The Book of Kells Online

The Book of Kells, as well as 150,000 artworks housed in Parisian museums, can be freely viewed online.

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Fr. David Friel · January 20, 2020

Roger Scruton, Magister Pulchritudinis

Sir Roger Scruton died January 12, 2020, leaving a mammoth legacy in the field of aesthetics.

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Fr. David Friel · January 15, 2020

Digitizing the Vatican Library

One decade into the project, the results are fascinating.

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Fr. David Friel · December 16, 2019

Liturgica • Interview with Chris Mueller on the Release of New CD

Mueller discusses his recently released recording of original compositions and Renaissance masterworks.

Fr. David Friel · December 1, 2019

Newman on Liturgy

What Does Newman Have to Say?

Fr. David Friel · November 11, 2019

New Stained Glass Windows of Military Saints

Recently installed at the pastoral center of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA

Fr. David Friel · November 9, 2019

The Gratuity of Beauty

Thoughts on the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

Fr. David Friel · November 2, 2019

Holy Souls in Purgatory • 15th-Century Missal Illumination

Detail from the Missal of Eberhard von Greiffenklau

Fr. David Friel · October 24, 2019

“Mass of the Americas” • Solemn Pontifical High Mass in DC

Archbishop Cordileone will offer Mass November 16, 2019 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Alabama Assessment!

We received this evaluation of Symposium 2022 from an Alabama participant:

“Oh, how the Symposium echoed the words of Cardinal Merry Del Val: …choosing only what is most conformed to Thy glory, which is my final aim. In one short and fast paced week, the faculty and attendees showed me the hand of God and our Lady working in our lives. The wide range of education—from Gregorian Chant, jazz modes in organ improvisation, to ‘staying sane’ while leading a choir—were certainly first-class knowledge from the best teachers of the art. However, the most powerful lesson was learning how to pray as a choir. The sacrifice of putting songs together, taking time to learn the sacred text, meditating on the church teaching through the chants, and gaining the virtues required to persevere in these duties were not only qualities of a choir but of a saint. The sanctification of the lives of the attendees was a beautiful outcome of this event … and that in itself is worth more than a beautifully-sung Solesmes style chant!”

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • Trinity Sunday (22 pages)

Feel free to download this Organ Accompaniment Booklet for Trinity Sunday (Second Vespers). Notice how the modes progress by number. Psalm 1 is mode 1; Psalm 2 is mode 2; Psalm 3 is mode 3; Psalm 4 is mode 4; Psalm 5 is mode 5. I am told by an expert that other feasts (such as Corpus Christi) are likewise organized by mode, and it’s called a “numerical office.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

10 June 2022 • “Official” rhythm of plainsong

I continue to search for the most beautiful way to present the “pure” Editio Vaticana scores. (Technically, the “pure” rhythm of the official edition is what everyone is supposed to use.) You can download my latest attempt, which is the Introit for this coming Sunday: Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Because this is not an ancient feast, the Introit had to be adapted (perhaps around 750AD). Prior Johner says the adaptation is “not an entirely happy one.”

—Jeff Ostrowski