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

Articles

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Gregorian Propers at a Nuptial Mass in “Southie”?

“Southie” is a section of Boston better known from the films “Good Will Hunting” and “The Departed.” It is also infamous for the convicted murderer and gangster, James “Whitey” Bulger. But, yes, glorious Gregorian Propers, polyphony, and hymnody at a Nuptial Mass in “Southie.”

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Liturgical Abuse and Abuse of Minors

The decades-long abuse of the sacred liturgy—and therefore, of faithful Catholics who have a right to the sacred liturgy in its fullness—constitutes the first and fundamental form of clerical abuse of the laity, of which sexual abuse is a particular and more demented moral variety.

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Does This Cartoon Sound Rude?

The intention is to get people thinking about why we substitute our own choices for the texts assigned by the Church at Entrance, Offertory, & Communion.

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Improvising – and Praying – on the Propers

A close friend, a priest once told me years ago something I’ve never forgotten. “The people don’t need to know what it is to understand it.” They will understand the prayer interiorly if not in words. Since hearing that, I have always thought it important to play and pray music related to a relevant text.

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Byzantine Splendor and Roman Sobriety

The traditional Western Mass is intent on reminding the worshiper of the death of Christ and the believer’s own sinfulness and unworthiness, while the Eastern Divine Liturgy accents the victory of Christ and the Christian’s triumph with Him in glory.

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