“A much greater source of anxiety to Us is the style of action of those who maintain that liturgical worship should shed its sacred character, who foolishly say we should substitute for sacred items & furnishings ordinary common things in daily use.” —Pope Saint Paul VI (14 Oct 1968)
The soul-stirring hymn used on ASCENSION THURSDAY at Vespers—and also used on the Sunday which follows the Ascension—was called in the 7th century: “Jesu Nostra Redemptio.” After 1631AD, the title of that hymn was changed to “Salutis Humanae Sator.” The melody assigned by the Vatican Commission on Gregorian Chant is rather mournful (and very difficult […]
Fulton J. Sheen considered Monsignor Knox’s English translation of the Bible to be the greatest ever created.
This is probably too late … but there’s always next year!
The word “Alleluia” changes to: “Praise be to Thee, O Lord, King of eternal glory.”
The internet is putting good people in touch with one another.
Those who so desire may now download this organ accompaniment booklet (25 pages) for the 4th Sunday of Advent, including the “O ANTIPHON” for 18 December 2022.
Were Pothier and Mocquereau homeless? The answer might surprise you.
Dom Gajard said to Jean Langlais: “Hear the blackbird! It doesn’t know what an ‘ictus’ is, yet it sings better than we.”
In spite of its imperfections, creating this (draft) booklet required much more effort than I had anticipated.
Finding the “perfect” accompaniment for hymns can be challenging. Here’s my attempt.
For those who have never experienced Vespers, an answer like that comes across as “gobbledygook.”
Only fellow choirmasters know how much work choirmasters do “behind the scenes.”
Vatican II said: “Pastors must see to it that Vespers is celebrated in parishes on Sundays and the more solemn feasts” (SC §100).
It may be an ugly booklet, but it got the job done yesterday.
Also included, an organ accompaniment (23 pages) for this booklet.
The election of Pope Leo XIV has been exciting, and we’re filled with hope for our apostolate’s future!
But we’re under pressure to transfer our website to a “subscription model.”
We don’t want to do that. We believe our website should remain free to all.
Our president has written the following letter:
President’s Message (dated 30 May 2025)
