“Is it not true that prohibiting or suspecting the extraordinary form can only be inspired by the demon who desires our suffocation and spiritual death?” —The Vatican’s chief liturgist from 2014-2021; interview with Edw. Pentin (23-Sep-2019)
What music does a newly ordained priest, who currently plays the drums in a jazz band, choose for his first Mass? A priest who also has a degree from the Hartt School of Music in Music Production and Technology? The answer will surprise you.
By shear will I chip away at the wretched dumpster fire of incongruence on the page. Then a purpose languidly surfaces with each revised note: Composing is a form of prayer.
One’s ability to work effectively with someone else does not actually rely very much on how much one agrees with the other. Why? It comes down to three things.
Children who sing today will be the foundation of our Church in the future.
Applause from a congregation for musicians, or musicians that impede congregational singing for the sake of personal artistry, are but symptoms. The church musician has been misidentified as a separate entity—a showpiece—and not properly identified as a servant of the liturgy, a servant of God, a servant of the people.
“One of the most emotional experiences of my life was during the baptism of my second child. The words hit me like a ton of bricks…time froze, and I was bowled over in my heart…”
Such a reference to original sin—a positive reference—seems quite strange to us.
Singing the sequence, “Victimae Paschali Laudes” is truly appropriate every day this week.
As Holy Week approaches, the tension is palpable.
I found these words to be jaw dropping—utterly astounding.
Jennifer Pascual, Director of Music at St. Patrick’s Cathedral hosts a weekly radio program on sacred music.
It’s never just about the music.
It is easier to capitulate than to educate.
There are three pillars that must be in place for a parish to sow the seeds of growth and vibrancy. If any one of them falls, the others suffer.
The elevation of bishop by Pope Francis of Bishop-Elect Steven J. Lopes is highly significant as the First Bishop of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter.
