Views from the Choir Loft

The Old ICEL Translation of the Mass

Is the 1998 ICEL Missal Translation Worth Another Look?

Fr. David Friel · June 21, 2015

When reading certain publications, one gets the sense that every Catholic in the world is up-in-arms about the present translation.

NBC “Meet The Press” & Catholic Church Music

Jeff Ostrowski · August 25, 2014

At the program’s conclusion, I felt dumber than when I’d started watching.

Francis Cardinal Arinze Speaking on the New Roman Missal

Corpus Christi Watershed · June 23, 2014

We seldom post videos, but this one might be enjoyed by our readers.

Ministry vs. Edification

Fr. David Friel · January 5, 2014

Do the People “Minister” to their Priests?

Fruitful Virginity

Fr. David Friel · January 1, 2014

Flaming, Yet Unconsumed

Bugnini Wanted To Eliminate Ash Wednesday!

Jeff Ostrowski · December 29, 2013

They failed to realize that one cannot simply “sit down over tea and crumpets” and VOTE INTO BEING the Church calendar. It’s supposed to develop organically.

A Chart That Says It All …

Jeff Ostrowski · November 24, 2013

What a stark contrast between the (discredited) translation from the 1970s and the 2011 translation!

How Bad Was It?

Jeff Ostrowski · October 25, 2013

Someday, my children might ask: “Do you remember the first ICEL translation of the Roman Missal?”

“Daily I sat in the temple, close to you…”

Fulton J. Sheen always said the “very best translation” of Sacred Scripture was the version by Monsignor Ronald Knox, and here’s what Knox had for the Passion read today (Pre-1955 Palm Sunday): “And Jesus said to the multitude at that hour, You have come out to my arrest with swords and clubs, as if I were a robber; and yet I used to sit teaching in the temple close to you, day after day, and you never laid hands on me.” (Mt 26:55)

Did you catch that? Our Lord sat close to them! He was near them! The Second Person of the Blessed Trinity touched them, and was friendly toward them! Truly, the people who can hurt us the most—and betray us the most—are those whom we have loved.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Sacred Music Symposium • “What We Avoid”

I wish we had to time to discuss artwork at the Sacred Music Symposium, but there’s just not enough time. At this year’s conference in June, we will sing an absolutely incredible Magnificat setting by Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599). If you examine the part books, you will notice a marvelous aesthetic desire to avoid the same capital letter—for the sake of beauty. Do you see how the Part Books find a way to avoid repeating the Capital G twice, by using the word “Superius” (which is roughly analogous to “Soprano”)? Breathtaking!

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Abraham” • Guerrero Imitates His Teacher

Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599) studied music with Father Cristóbal de Morales circa 1545. He taught himself the organ. On 3 April 1542 he was engaged as a contralto by Seville Cathedral at an annual salary of 12,000 maravedís. He remained there until 1546, when, at the age of only 17, he was invited—on the recommendation of Father Morales—to become mæstro de capilla of Jaén Cathedral. He was entrusted with the boarding, lodging, and instruction of the six choirboys; but he neglected this duty and was sentenced to be dismissed on 30 August 1548. However, he was absolved and reinstated on 3 November. I think you can see (perhaps) a little homage to his teacher on the word “Abraham.”

—Jeff Ostrowski