Views from the Choir Loft

Articles

Jeff Ostrowski · June 26, 2014

First Time Attending A Novus Ordo Mass

If you can explain why the GLORY & PRAISE has an eagle flying across page 37, you get a cookie.

Dr. Peter Kwasniewski · June 26, 2014

On the Objectivity of the Beautiful

Can we really rank the works of fine art? Is one composer greater than another, one piece of sacred music more beautiful than another? Or is it all relative?

Aurelio Porfiri · June 25, 2014

The Downside Of Dialogue

We have a saying in Italy: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”

Corpus Christi Watershed · June 25, 2014

Common Responsorial Psalm Texts

“Nevertheless, in order that the people may be able to join in the responsorial psalm more readily, some texts of responses and psalms have been chosen…”

Cynthia Ostrowski · June 24, 2014

Catholic Line Art, Black and White • Installment #54

I will be releasing hundreds of these B/W religious line art drawings for free and instant download. These beautiful Catholic “woodcuts” were done with magnificent skill. “Download Free Traditional Catholic Clipart”

Aurelio Porfiri · June 24, 2014

Fifa World Cup

What does the liturgy have to do with the World Cup of soccer? Nothing, probably, or maybe something.

Corpus Christi Watershed · June 23, 2014

Francis Cardinal Arinze Speaking on the New Roman Missal

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

Gwyneth Holston · June 23, 2014

Archbishop Sample’s Letter On Sacred Music (8 of 8)

Eagerly awaiting a Pastoral Letter on Sacred Art in Divine Worship.

Follow the Discussion on Facebook

Aurelio Porfiri · June 23, 2014

Bottega • Aurelio Porfiri

“Mæstro Porfiri is a true lover of liturgy and music and a serious, honest, and responsible person.” — Domenico Cardinal Bartolucci (Vatican)

Guest Author · June 22, 2014

Homily: Corpus Christi (Year A)

All any of us can do on a day like this is say: “Lord, increase the Faith of all who believe in You.”

Fr. David Friel · June 22, 2014

Archbishop Sample’s Letter On Sacred Music (7 of 8)

May the Archbishop’s reflections & exhortations bear fruit in practical renewal!

Veronica Brandt · June 21, 2014

Archbishop Sample’s Letter On Sacred Music (6 of 8)

“Every hour of worship should represent at least two hours of structured preparation at a time and place apart from the congregation.”

Aurelio Porfiri · June 20, 2014

My Funeral

I am dead. And now here I am viewing my funeral. The people in attendance are not aware that I am looking at them.

Richard J. Clark · June 20, 2014

Archbishop Sample’s Letter on Sacred Music (5 of 8)

The biggest problem in Roman Catholic liturgical music is the prevailing misunderstanding of its very purpose.

Jeff Ostrowski · June 19, 2014

Sensational Review Of The Jogues Illuminated Missal By Dr. Peter Kwasniewski

Rigorous and Resplendent Review of the Jogues Illuminated Missal.

New Bulletin Article • “21 September 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 21 September 2025) discusses some theological items—supported by certain verses in ancient Catholic hymns—and ends by explaining why certain folks become delirious with jealousy when they observe feats by Monsignor Ronald Knox.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!

It’s always amusing to see old diocesan newspapers—in huge capital letters—advertising the Cheapest Catholic Paper in the United States. The correspondent who sent this to me added: “I can think of certain composers, published by large companies in our own day, who could truthfully brag about the most tawdry compositions in the world!” I wonder what she could have meant by such a cryptic comment…

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • Dom Murray Harmonies

Along with so many others, I have deep respect for Dom Gregory Gregory Murray, who produced this clever harmonization (PDF) of “O SANCTISSIMA.” It’s always amazed me that Dom Gregory—a truly inspired composer—was so confused when it came to GREGORIAN CHANT. Throughout his life, he published contradictory statements, veering back-and-forth like a weather vane. Toward the end of his life, he declared: “I see clearly that the need for reform in liturgical music arose, not in the 18th and 19th centuries, but a thousand years earlier—in the 8th and 9th centuries, or even before that. The abuses began, not with Mozart and Haydn, but with those over-enthusiastic medieval musicians who developed the elaborate and flamboyant Gregorian Chant.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”

We were sent an internet statement (screenshot) that’s garnered significant attention, in which KARL KEATING (founder of Catholic Answers) speaks about whether canonizations are infallible. Mr. Keating seems unaware that canonizations are—in the final analysis—a theological opinion. They are not infallible, as explained in this 2014 article by a priest (with a doctorate in theology) who worked for multiple popes. Mr. Keating says: “I’m unaware of such claims arising from any quarter until several recent popes disliked by these Traditionalists were canonized, including John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. Usually Paul VI receives the most opprobrium.” Mr. Keating is incorrect; e.g. Father John Vianney, several centuries ago, taught clearly that canonizations are not infallible. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen would be another example, although clearly much more recent than Saint John Vianney.

—Corpus Christi Watershed

Vatican II Changed Wedding Propers?

It’s often claimed that the wedding propers were changed after Vatican II. As a matter of fact, that is a false claim. The EDITIO VATICANA propers (Introit: Deus Israel) remained the same after Vatican II. However, a new set of propers (Introit: Ecce Deus) was provided for optional use. The same holds true for the feast of Pope Saint Gregory the Great on 3 September: the 1943 propers (Introit: Si díligis me) were provided for optional use, but the traditional PROPRIA MISSAE (Introit: Sacerdótes Dei) were retained; they weren’t gotten rid of. The Ordo Cantus Missae (1970) makes this crystal clear, as does the Missal itself. There was an effort made in the post-conciliar years to eliminate so-called “Neo-Gregorian” chants, but (contrary to popular belief) most were retained: cf. the feast of Christ the King, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and so forth.

—Corpus Christi Watershed

Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)

How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).

—Corpus Christi Watershed