A Talking Point

Dr. Philip Blosser is the 'blogmaster at "Musings of Pertinacioius Papist", a 'blog I first read as I was starting and now am happy to have rediscovered.

His latest post is a reprint of an article from the July/August issue of the New Oxford Review.

That article was authored by Dr. Lucy E. Carroll, the organist/director at the Carmelite Monastery in Philadelphia and an adjunct associate professor at Westminster Choir College of Rider University, Princeton.

It is a summation of what has happened to music in the Mass in the past 40+ years and how, with the implementation of the revised Roman Missal, it can be changed.

Just more food for thought.

The "Spanish Palestrina"

Today marks the 400th. anniversary of the death of Spanish Renaissance composer Tomas Luis de Victoria. A contemporary of Giovanni Palestrina and Orlando Lasso, his sacred music is of the highest quality and beauty.

How fitting, then, to share with you the Introit to his Missa Pro Defunctis, a Requiem Mass in honor of the Empress Maria.

Nunc Dimittis

After over 57 years serving as a priest in the Diocese of Salt Lake City, the last 24 as pastor of St. Olaf Parish in Bountiful, the Very Reverend Rudolph A. Daz celebrated his last Sunday Masses this past weekend. On August 1, he will retire from active priestly duties. Fr Reynato T. Rodillas, SVD, has been named as Parish Administrator.

While the parish knew this day would eventually come, it was still a surprise when the announcement was made this past March. A retirement party was held for him on June 5 to a gym full of well-wishers (including myself). A true man of God, he is well-loved by those he has guided and will be greatly missed.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Perfectly Squared Day

As the Barry Manilow song goes, "Looks like we made it."

I speak, of course, of my "coming out" party 49 years ago.

The most significant milestone in my life is once again being acknowledged; because without this one, there would not be any at all.

First, foremost, and always, I am thankful for being. Existing is a good thing; the first option of Hamlet's question is the right answer. God knows I should be more grateful for that, considering how things could be going.

Yet God knows how much of an Augustinian heart I have. I find it so ironic the number of years I have been alive is now the same as the number of full months I have been without a job. I know Jesus said to only worry about today, but it is so hard when the few bills I have can't be paid. And the Devil knows of that insecurity all too well. Thank God there is more than enough grace to overcome being hopelessly despondent.

The motto of this 'blog and its owner has been "Go Forward." There are days when I think I do; there are days when I just hold my ground; there are days when reverse seems to be the direction. At times the cross you carry is an easy yoke; at times you have Simeon along; at times it fells you. Yet, it is with you always.

Such is each individual's via crucis, this experience called life. There is no living without dying, but there is no dying without rising. Is this not the true meaning of being an "Easter people," in the words of Blessed John Paul II? Is this not what we are called to do according to the prayer ascribed to St. Francis of Assisi? How can we be fruitful unless we become a seed scattered and sown?

"Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made. Our times are in his hand who saith, "A whole I planned, youth shows but half; Trust God: See all, nor be afraid!'"

Robert Browning

(1812-1889)

I pray the best is yet to come.

Wrongly Titled Post

Fr. John Zuhlsdorf is the 'blogmaster of one of the best Catholic 'blogs on the internet, "What Does The Prayer Really Say."

He calls his latest post a rant.

I call it a much needed sermon.

A Priest Forever

Today marks the 60th. anniversary of the ordination to the priesthood of Joseph Ratzinger, now known as Pope Benedict XVI.

Keep all priests in your prayers. You never know where their calling takes them.

Double Praise

The Apostle to the Jews and the Apostle to the Gentiles.

He upon whom the Church is built and he who was one of Her busiest missionaries and eloquent preachers.

Both came to Christ from different paths, both endured their hardships, but both ran the race to the end.

Once upon a time, their respective feast days were separate. Now, they are celebrated together.

We are blessed to have such great teachers and leaders of the Faith.

Chant Comes Here

The Church Music Association of America has announced the site for Colloquium XXII, to be held June 25-July 1, 2012.

Their next "seven days of musical heaven" will be here.

Once again, a significant liturgical practicum will be in my backyard.

I have already offered to help.

365 days and counting.

I can't wait.

Missing Links

My 2010 St. Cecilia's Day post mentions a litany to the patron saint of music used by members of the Church Music Association of America. This prayer is used as a novena beginning the 22nd. of each month. The forum post has links to both a recited and chant form, the chant having been composed by a member of the CMAA.

There has been a small problem. The links to copies of each form have been unavailable for quite a while now. No one wanting copies have been able to secure any.

Until now.

Via Google Docs, here are new links to the recited (Word) and chant (PDF) form.

For now, I hope this will be useful. I would eventually like to link to the originals, but I will need help with that.

You're welcome.

(UPDATE) The forum actually allows me to attach my copies to the post. So I did. The offer to link them still stands.

Here In This Place

And so it has begun.

I wish I could be there, but my wallet said, "No way." The spirit is willing; the cash is non-existent.

I shouldn't be too disappointed. I have actually attended what I consider to be the last four of the last five "major" events sponsored by the Church Music Association of America--

1. January,2010: Winter Chant Intensive; Charleston, SC.
2. June, 2010: CMAA Colloquium XX; Pittsburgh, PA.
3. October, 2010: Fall Practicum; Houston, TX.
4. January, 2011: Winter Chant Intensive; New Orleans, LA.

It is a very educational as well as spiritually uplifting time. It is truly, as they like to promote, "Seven Days of Musical Heaven."

One of the more recent forums at the CMAA website was a roll call of attendees. While I made my regrets, I also said I would keep them in my prayers this week.

St. Gregory the Great, St. Cecilia, St, John the Baptist, and all you heavenly angelic choirs--pray for them and all church musicians. May God renew these servants in body, mind, heart, and soul. May He bless them abundantly.

Think of me kindly, those who are there and know of me.