“Ad Orientem” Explained
This year, the priest at my parish will be offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass ad orientem on Fridays during Lent. I wrote the following “explainer” to help my parishioners understand what’s going on and why.
Articles
PDF Download • 1954 “Bragers Hymnal”—Accompaniment Edition (131 pages)
We have scanned this extremely rare hymnal, granted Imprimatur by Francis Cardinal Spellman on 15 February 1954.
“Reform of the Reform” • Eight Lies We Were Told
We should evaluate things based on their merit.
Musical Notation for New EF Prefaces
Facilitating the chanting of the seven prefaces permitted by “Quo magis”
“Homily for Sexagesima Sunday” (EF) • Father Valentine Young, OFM
I had the good fortune of being assigned to the same mission field twice: the first time in 1956 when I was first ordained.
Ben Shapiro Teaches His Audience Music Theory!
Also included: “Can amateurs sing polyphony?”
Looking for a Good Lenten Devotion? Try the Seven Sorrows Rosary
Learn about the amazing promises attached to this venerable devotion.
“Homily for Septuagesima Sunday” (EF) • Father Valentine Young, OFM
I don’t know whether all of you will agree with me when I say: “life is not fair”—but I would imagine older people would agree.
A Lesson in Chant from the Late Fr. Foster
My personal encounter with him left a strong impression, which I will share here.
Music Conference at the Vatican
The theme for this virtual conference will be “Church and Music: Texts and Contexts”
Alleluia, Dulce Carmen – sing it while you can!
A hymn for the last week before Septuagesima, or in the weeks leading up to Lent. Squeeze in all the Alleluias you can before they’re put on ice.
Quick Vocal Tip: Breathe on Cutoffs
This simple breathing hack could bring new life to your choir’s sound.
Making Sacraments Available amidst Adversity
WWII Chaplain recognized for his heroic ministry after the sinking of the USS Indianapolis
Glaring Omission from Post-Vatican II Lectionary
In the 1980s, Father Valentine wrote to a Vatican Congregation in Rome about this omission. It still hasn’t been fixed.
(Ladies Singing Low) • “Adding Fifths Above”
Under Covid-19, certain “pre-conciliar” practices have been mandated by the same bishops who previously declared such things to be evil.