Views from the Choir Loft

Dr Robert Alex Skeris

Jeff Ostrowski · October 19, 2026

PDF Chart (33,344 words) • “Graduale Romanum”—Spanish, English: Multiple Approved Translations

On the 20th anniversary of its founding, Corpus Christi Watershed’s president has several things to say.

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Jeff Ostrowski · June 21, 2026

These Photographs Are Utterly Astounding !

Prelates of preëminent prominence such as Arcadio Cardinal Larraona; Fernando Cardinal Antonelli; Monsignor Higini Anglés i Pàmies; Monsignor Johannes Overath; Monsignor Robert A. Skeris; and many more!

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Jeff Ostrowski · April 20, 2026

“The Unselected Hymn” • Do You Recognize It?

I fought for this one—but lost the battle.

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Jeff Ostrowski · January 19, 2026

Active Participation • “Participatio Actuosa”

“The faithful should also be taught to unite themselves interiorly to what the ministers or choir sing, so that by listening to them they may raise their minds to God.”

Jeff Ostrowski · August 29, 2025

Cardinal Ranjith on “Active Participation”

He was considered “papabile” in the last conclave.

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PDF • “Singers’ Booklet” (22 Pages)

The formatting of this booklet is ‘messy’—but it’s only ever seen by the singers (not the congregation).

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—Jeff Ostrowski

Twenty-Two (22) English Translations

We gathered every English translation of “Creátor Alme Síderum” ever made by Catholic poets, priests, bishops, cardinals, and saints (22 in all). Click this link to see them displayed, placed directly alongside the original Latin. Some are strikingly beautiful (e.g. “Great Maker of the glitt’ring stars”) and together they trace the hymn back to the ancient “Cónditor Alme Síderum,” which POPE URBAN VIII reworked in 1632AD.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Stained Glass Window • Father Brébeuf

Saint John de Brébeuf was one of the North American Martyrs. The photograph of a gorgeous stained glass window depicting Father Brébeuf was sent to us by Courtney Roberson. Father Brébeuf and his companions were canonized by Pope Pius XI on 29 June 1930. We are told this window is found in the Cathedral of Peoria, Illinois.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Preface of Saint Joseph (added by the pope)

You can see the “Præfatio de Sancto Joseph” inserted directly into the priest’s missal.

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—Jeff Ostrowski

“Predictable Rhymes?” • A Follow Up

We received considerable correspondence regarding my article, Two Ways to Defile a Hymn. More specifically, what really raised certain people’s hackles was its follow-up article dealing with the keyboard accompaniment for the CHRIST THE KING HYMNAL. But to quote Eliza Doolittle: “Have I said anything I oughtn’t?” Please examine this PDF file and see whether you agree. Were the editors of the BRÉBEUF HYMNAL incorrect to insist upon sophisticated and clever rhymes, rather than mind-numbingly predictable rhymes?

—Jeff Ostrowski

‘Ould’ But Not Good

Dom Samuel Gregory Ould (note the spelling) was a Benedictine monk at FORT AUGUSTUS ABBEY in Scotland. As musician, organist, and composer, Dom Ould was highly regarded. Moreover, he was considered an authority on Gregorian Chant. But not everything found in an old book—or, in this case, an “Ould” book—is necessarily praiseworthy. Consider this page from Dom Ould’s hymnal. Do you see the rhymes? They offend severely by ABR (“Abuse By Reuse”) and are utterly predictable. In my recent article—Two Ways to Defile a Hymn—I addressed this topic.

—Jeff Ostrowski