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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.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

Pope Benedict XVI

Corpus Christi Watershed · January 3, 2023

Document restricting the Latin Mass “broke Pope Benedict’s heart” says Archbishop Gänswein

The motu proprio 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑠 𝐶𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑑𝑒𝑠 “hit him pretty hard” says the private secretary to the Pope Emeritus.

Jeff Ostrowski · July 13, 2022

“To go to Mass together will be the light of Sunday for a family.” — Pope Benedict XVI (2005)

Statement by Pope Benedict XVI • Saint Peter’s Square (October, 2005)

Jeff Ostrowski · July 19, 2021

PDF Download • The “1965 Missal” (1,785 pages)

“Truly Perplexing” • Pope Francis’ Motu Proprio

Fr. David Friel · November 18, 2020

On the Dedication of Churches

Celebrating the dedication of St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Paul Outside the Walls

Follow the Discussion on Facebook

Fr. David Friel · November 9, 2019

The Gratuity of Beauty

Thoughts on the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

Fr. David Friel · December 1, 2018

How Does Benedict XVI Perceive His Retirement?

Clues from a Wednesday General Audience

Fr. David Friel · August 13, 2017

Tenth Anniversary Celebration • “Summorum Pontificum”

A Solemn Pontifical Mass will be offered in Philadelphia on September 14, 2017

Fr. David Friel · June 18, 2017

Silence in the Liturgy

Thoughts from Pope Benedict XVI, Msgr. Guido Marini, and the GIRM

Fr. David Friel · June 12, 2017

Liturgical Reflections of a Papal Master of Ceremonies

Essays from Msgr. Guido Marini

Fr. David Friel · June 4, 2017

Thoughts on Benedict

St. Benedict, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, and “Ars Celebrandi”

Fr. David Friel · August 28, 2016

On the Spirit of Conservation

A Reflection on the National Parks, Sacred Architecture, and “Laudato Si”

Fr. David Friel · July 30, 2016

“Actuosa Participatio” and the Reception of Holy Communion

Relevant Reflections from “Sacramentum Caritatis.”

Fr. David Friel · March 20, 2016

Baptisms in the Extraordinary Form

Reflections on a Recent Experience

Fr. David Friel · January 10, 2016

Whose Responsibility Is It To Establish New EF Communities?

We must respect the vision of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

Fr. David Friel · November 23, 2015

An Extraordinary Event: NCYC 2015

Traditional Mass offered at National Catholic Youth Conference

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    “Reminder” — Month of November (2025)
    On a daily basis, I speak to people who don’t realize we publish a free newsletter (although they’ve followed our blog for years). We have no endowment, no major donors, no savings, and refuse to run annoying ads. As a result, our mailing list is crucial to our survival. Signing up couldn’t be easier: simply scroll to the bottom of any blog article and enter your email address.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Offertory” at Catholic Funerals
    I have argued that the OFFERTORY—at least in its ancient form—is more of a responsory than an antiphon. The 1962 Missal specifically calls it “Antiphona ad Offertorium.” From now on, I plan to use this beautiful setting (PDF) at funerals, since it cleverly inserts themes from the absolution of the body. Tons more research needs to be done on the OFFERTORY, which often is a ‘patchwork’ stitching together various beginnings and endings of biblical verses. For instance, if you examine the ancient verses for Dómine, vivífica me (30th Sunday in Ordinary Time) you’ll discover this being done in a most perplexing way. Rebecca Maloy published a very expensive book on the OFFERTORY, but it was a disappointment. Indeed, I can’t think of a single valuable insight contained in her book. What a missed opportunity!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “In Paradisum” • Gregorian Chant
    As a RECESSIONAL on All Souls’ Day (November 2nd), we will sing In Paradísum Dedúcant Te Ángeli (PDF). When it comes to Gregorian Chant, this is one of the most popular “songs.” Frankly, all the prayers and chants from the traditional REQUIEM MASS (Missa exsequialis or Missa pro defunctis) are incredibly powerful and never should’ve been scuttled. Click here to hear “In Paradisum” in a recording I made this afternoon. Professor Louis Bouyer spoke of the way Bugnini “scuttled the office of the dead” in this fascinating excerpt from his memoirs. In his book, La riforma litugica (1983), Bugnini bragged—in quite a shameful way—about eliminating the ancient funeral texts, and even admitted those venerable texts were “beloved” (his word) by Catholics.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Gospel Options for 2 November (“All Souls”)
    We’ve been told some bishops are suppressing the TLM because of “unity.” But is unity truly found in the MISSALE RECENS? For instance, on All Souls (2 November), any of these Gospel readings may be chosen, for any reason (or for no reason at all). The same is true of the Propria Missæ and other readings—there are countless options in the ORDINARY FORM. In other words, no matter which OF parish you attend on 2 November, you’ll almost certainly hear different propers and readings, to say nothing of different ‘styles’ of music. Where is the “unity” in all this? Indeed, the Second Vatican Council solemnly declared: “Even in the liturgy, the Church has no wish to impose a rigid uniformity in matters which do not implicate the faith or the good of the whole community.”
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Our Father” • Musical Setting?
    Looking through a Roman Catholic Hymnal published in 1859 by Father Guido Maria Dreves (d. 1909), I stumbled upon this very beautiful tune (PDF file). I feel it would be absolutely perfect to set the “Our Father” in German to music. Thoughts?
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    New Bulletin Article • “12 October 2025”
    My pastor requested that I write short articles each week for our parish bulletin. Those responsible for preparing similar write-ups may find a bit of inspiration in these brief columns. The latest article (dated 12 October 2025) talks about an ‘irony’ or ‘paradox’ regarding the 1960s switch to a wider use (amplior locus) of vernacular in the liturgy.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“After a discussion lasting several days, in which arguments for and against were discussed, the Council fathers came to the clear conclusion—wholly in agreement with the Council of Trent—that Latin must be retained as the language of cult in the Latin rite, although exceptional cases were possible and even welcome.”

— Alfons Cardinal Stickler, Vatican II ‘peritus’

Recent Posts

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  • “Offertory” at Catholic Funerals

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