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.”

Views from the Choir Loft

EWTN Classic • “Theology of Worship” with Fr. Robert Skeris (1998)

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ANY KNOW MONSIGNOR Robert Alex Skeris as a professor at the Catholic University of America. Others knew him when he was head of the Theology department at Christendom college. In the CMAA journals, Msgr. Schuler often referenced “Fr. Skeris of Rome” since he ran the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music during the 1980s. I was present when Fr. Skeris gave a lecture to the Sacred Music Colloquium—which he helped found 30+ years ago—and received a standing ovation from a packed auditorium. The audience just kept applauding for the longest time…to the point where my ears started to hurt!

I recently obtained a marvelous interview (7 January 1998) where Mother Angelica of EWTN asks Fr. Skeris to explain the Theology of worship.

Here’s the direct URL link.

This excerpt addresses participatio actuosa (“active participation”):

Here’s the direct URL link.

Mother Angelica asks why liturgical music has to be sacred:

Here’s the direct URL link.

Fr. Skeris mentions what the fathers of Vatican II actually voted upon regarding Latin in the liturgy:

Here’s the direct URL link.

You can obtain this 60-minute DVD by searching Google. I think it was in the range of $17.00, and you’ll enjoy hearing Fr. Skeris give candid answers to excellent questions from the audience. He speaks about the relationship of text & music; why Gregorian chant is the Church’s preference; whether we can use orchestral Masses based on secular tunes; and numerous other topics. I like the part where Mother Angelica presses Fr. Skeris to tell his favorite piece of music!

EWTN posted a 1990 article by Fr. Skeris:

* *  PDF Download • “Participatio Actuosa” (1990)

If you doubt the importance of discussions by the fathers of Vatican II, read this 1976 reference to the Conciliar relationes.

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

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