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.”
Father Valentine Young, OFM, always spoke about people incapable of saying “I don’t know.” Such people have an answer for everything—as if saying “I don’t know” would cause them physical pain. That’s how I acted growing up, but I stopped when I reached maturity. Another thing I did as a kid was insist that I […]
Have you noticed how many people these days don’t know what an analogy is? If I say to John Doe, “that’s the pot calling the kettle black,” frequently John Doe will go around telling everybody I called him an ugly pot. It’s quite disturbing. I’ve also noticed that many Americans believe the definition of “possible” […]
Including the “official statement” regarding the Coronavirus.
I’m not even sure what to say about this.
Finding the “perfect” accompaniment for hymns can be challenging. Here is my attempt.
Monsignor Higinio Anglés, a Spanish priest and musicologist, was director of the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music.
Any Christian who tries to make a difference in the sacred music world must expect to face opposition and scorn. Today, the attacks will frequently come from “internet cowards” who hide behind false names, fake biographies, anonymous blogs, and so forth. Falsehoods and calumnies from anonymous sources are impossible to debunk—because recognition is what they […]
Have you heard of the “People’s Mass Book,” published by Omer Westendorf in 1964?
Pope Francis was right to allow the Pre-1955 Holy Week. Father Krisman is incorrect to suggest it will “hurt people.”
Some believe Stevenson was the greatest musicologist of all time, but I believe he made an error here.
“Juan Sánchez, first admitted in June, 1529, was the most flamboyant member of the generally hot-tempered Spanish section of the choir. In January, 1540, not wishing to sing the part allotted him by the director, he hit him “in the presence of the Sacrament,” thus creating a “very great scandal.” He was imprisoned, but the […]
There were about 32 singers: “A singer need not be in holy orders but must be a man of honor and of good repute. When a new member is proposed, his character shall first be examined, and then he shall be brought to a musical examination conducted by the choir members themselves. The first requisite […]
An extremely rare hymnal compiled by the Most Rev’d Joseph Schrembs, Bishop of Cleveland, Ohio.
During his final year of theological studies at the seminary, Pope Pius X served as choirmaster to the seminarians! While serving as bishop of Mantua, he founded a Schola Cantorum and personally taught courses in sacred music and Cantus Gregorianus. Fascinating!
The beautiful “Way of the Cross” by Sheen made our local bishop weep as he was leading them.
