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.”
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.
The fundamental problem with rock music can be summed up quite simply: its rhythm is unnatural and morally tainted, and its inventors wanted it that way. We would do well to stay far from it.
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.
On this day, let us pray for peace and for those who died before us.
In which I hopefully make a point without alienating every Traditionalist in the world.
As he lay dying, St. John Vianney’s confessor whispered, “Hide my whip, hair shirt, and other instruments of penance. If people find them, they’ll think I’m in Heaven, and won’t pray for me.”
I will be releasing hundreds of these B/W religious line art drawings for free and instant download. These beautiful Catholic “woodcuts” were done with magnificent skill. “Download Free Traditional Catholic Clipart”
I’m reminded of my years as a high school teacher. There were always 5-6 parents who had too much time on their hands, and they pestered the administration for changes.
Billy claims all Americans can swim. Joseph is an American. Billy says Joseph can swim. Where’s the news?
Chant is beautiful, stunning, transcendent. Yet do we really know how it sounded centuries ago? Can we, by carefully listening, appreciate the differences between the modes?
Cardinal Cushing famously left the Second Vatican Council, claiming, “I cannot speak Latin.”
The Art of the Beautiful Lecture Series
Gregorian chant is a great resource for transcending cultural differences and joining people in prayer. Here is a simple chant especially for peace.
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.
Forty-six years after the publication of his seminal work, “The Spirit of the Liturgy,” Fr. Romano Guardini reflected on the challenges of the Liturgical Movement in this 1964 letter.
