Sainthood May Sound Crazy
We are called to be saints. Does this sound crazy? I am more and more convinced it is not. Perhaps there is a roadmap to sainthood that we’ve known all along.
“If we do not love those whom we see, how can we love God, Whom we do not see?” Bishop Fulton J. Sheen
Richard J. Clark is the Director of Music of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. He is also Chapel Organist (Saint Mary’s Chapel) at Boston College. His compositions have been performed worldwide.—Read full biography (with photographs).
We are called to be saints. Does this sound crazy? I am more and more convinced it is not. Perhaps there is a roadmap to sainthood that we’ve known all along.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t like being pruned. Ultimately, this pruning leads to a refinement of the soul.
Musical composition, especially in a defined prayerful structure, can uncover a wounded heart, one that is buried under its own weight. Music in service to God—even for a humble group of singers—may heal and lift those weighed down. This may include the composer as well!
Inspired by the Gregorian Chant propers of the Requiem Mass, Richard J. Clark’s “Requiem pour une américaine à Paris” was recently featured on “Sounds from the Spires” on SIRIUS XM 129 Radio, The Catholic Channel, hosted by Dr. Jennifer Pascual, Director of Music of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC.
“That finger of Jesus, pointing at Matthew. That’s me. I feel like him. Like Matthew…It is the gesture of Matthew that strikes me: he holds on to his money as if to say, ‘No, not me! No, this money is mine.’
Pope Francis is not afraid to open dialogue about difficult subjects. That alone marks enormous change. Perhaps, this kind of dialogue makes some of us uncomfortable. But this opens the possibility of growth.
At one time or another, all artists are tested in the same way that faith is tested. In this test—the infliction we will endure at one time or another—our faith is made stronger.
One day after mass, a woman told me how wonderful it is to sing the scriptures while receiving communion. I doubt she knows at all what the propers of the mass are. She demonstrated that it is far easier to connect the music of the propers to the mass itself than potentially a hymn or song.
If the Church were to reclaim the proper role and function of its very own music, it would go a long to way to repossessing the deeply influential significance of the liturgy in our everyday lives. In turn, this would powerfully foster evangelization.
Mass cannot, nor should not compete on a level of entertainment. “Such attractiveness fades quickly.” It is in our very human nature, the need to worship God. Our brains are wired for contemplation. It is within our very soul to connect with the divine.
Pope Francis has called for a day of fasting and prayer for peace this coming Saturday, September 7, 2013.
The Psalms of David often reveal both the ugliness of humanity and his unwavering faith in God. In his prayer, he calls for the defeat – the blood of his enemies. His words are startlingly human.
Several FREE downloads of sacred music for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Great congregational singing points to great work being done by music directors and pastors all over the country. Know that your influence and reach may be much farther than you will ever dream or know.
Corpus Christi Watershed is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to exploring and embodying as our calling the relationship of religion, culture, and the arts. This non-profit organization employs the creative media in service of theology, the Church, and Christian culture for the enrichment and enjoyment of the public.
We’re under tremendous pressure to transfer our website to a “subscription model.”
We don’t want to do this. We believe our website should remain free to all. It’s annoying to have to search for login credentials (e.g. if you’re away from your desk).
Our president has written the following letter:
* Thirteen Men & Coins (Holy Thursday Appeal)
Traditionally on Holy Thursday, the priest washed the feet of thirteen men. Theologians held various opinions regarding whom the “13th man” represented. Before the liturgical changes of Pope Pius XII (which changed the number from thirteen to twelve), the priest washed each man’s feet, kissed his foot, and gave him a coin.
This “coin” business seems providential—inasmuch as our appeal begins on Holy Thursday this year.
Time's up