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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

Composing Heals a Heavy Heart

Richard J. Clark · October 18, 2013

USIC HEALS THE BROKEN HEART. Composing in fact, does wonders in this area. One note—one subtle change of dissonance and resolution, of tension and release—can alter the complexion of spirit. One unnoticed change of harmony can cry out to God our inmost pleading of unspeakable human emotion. One note can express the prayer we cannot or dare not put to words.

The creative act, especially in a defined prayerful structure, can sometimes uncover a wounded heart, one that is buried under its own weight. Therefore, composition is an act of prayer and release for a heart in bondage. This prayer need not be a great masterwork. 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!

Meanwhile, consider composing an antiphon, and then a simple psalm tone. (Perhaps do this every week? You may become transformed!) Keep in mind, the “limitations” of liturgical structure are in fact not limitations at all, but a roadmap that leads to more focused prayer. This in turn can lead to delightful surprises both musical and spiritual.

For the antiphons and their psalms draw the composer into their wondrous revelations. The psalms expose humanity in all of its frailty and depth. The psalmist unapologetically proclaims the joyful praise of God, the distress of suffering, and the acceptance of total dependance on God. All of these things are found in the psalms ready to be rediscovered again and again in music and prayer.

Finally, here is a simple offering for Communion for this Sunday. It is simple, and I hope it can humbly serve in prayer:

Free Download:
PDF • Domine, Dominus noster | Communion Antiphon | 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Richard J. Clark

Richard J. Clark is the Director of Music of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    “Music List” • 22nd in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Some have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 31 August 2025, which is the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are conveniently stored at the spectacular feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “The Worm That Dieth Not”
    My pastor asked me to write a column for our parish bulletin with reflections on the sacred liturgy and church music. In my most recent article, I discuss “The Worm That Dieth Not.” At this website, you can access it conveniently; simply scroll down to the one dated 31 August 2025.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    A Nice Hymn In Spanish
    In my humble opinion, this is a really beautiful hymn in Spanish. If I practice diligently, I’ll be able to pronounce all the words properly. If you’re someone who’s interested in obtaining a melody only version (suitable for your congregational ORDER OF WORSHIP) you can steal that from this.
    —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

“Pope Francis breaks Catholic traditions whenever he wants because he is free from disordered attachments. Our Church has indeed entered a new phase: with the advent of this first Jesuit pope, it is openly ruled by an individual rather than by the authority of Scripture alone or even its own dictates of tradition plus Scripture.”

— Fr. Thomas Rosica (31 July 2018)

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