Katy bar the door!

Why the Pope is right to purge modern music

The Pope, who last year appointed a new choir director of St Peter's, wants Gregorian chant, polyphony and baroque masterpieces to dominate the repertoire in the basilica and the Sistine chapel. And, by making his preferences clear, he is sending out a message to the whole Catholic Church.

The next generation of choir directors have been charged by the Pope with the task of reintroducing beautiful music into church. If they succeed, then at long last the pews may begin to fill up again.

Me thinks this will be a bumpy ride.

Quotes on sacred music

These are quotes I found that deserve mentioning:

"Yet certain Catholics today express the desire of changing the external form of the Liturgy by adapting it to the style of life of our desacralized age. Such a desire indicates a blindness to the nature of the Liturgy, as well as a lack of reverence and gratitude for the sublime gifts of two thousand years of Christian life. It betrays a ludicrous self-assurance and conceit to believe that these traditional forms can be scrapped for something better. And this conceit is especially incongruous in those who accuse the Church of "triumphalism." On the one hand, they consider a lack of humility the Church's claim that She alone possesses the full divine revelation (instead of perceiving that this claim is rooted in the very nature of the Church and flows out of Her divine mission). On the other hand, they exhibit a ridiculous pride in assuming that our modern epoch is superior to former ones." Pg 238-239 from Trojan Horse in the City of God, Dietrich von Hildebrand

Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life. ~Ludwig van Beethoven

From Richard Morris, a good interview and short bio found here: An Interview with Richard Morris

Catholic liturgical music, it would seem, is everywhere but in the Catholic Church itself.
Richard Morris

Ironically, we live in times that are awash in authentic sacred music.
Richard Morris

Many pastors just fear aspiring to something other than the most bland mediocrity; they don't want to be called snobs and they have no sense that the liturgy of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass requires special music.
Richard Morris

Only the Catholic Church seems blind to its power. This is one of the greatest travesties of the post-Conciliar period. We've abandoned the sacred treasury and replaced it with drivel.
Richard Morris

The point is not to return to the way the Mass was sung forty years ago but to do it reverently and correctly now.
Richard Morris

There are so many more good ones from Richard Morris I found. But I must get back to work and get on with my day. Just some good thoughts and perspectives to chew on...

Why are First Communion gifts so silly?

I would love to find a company that made really useful, unique or practical gifts for First Communion gifts. I found these gorgeous, traditional invites(printed in Italy, still shows child at altar rail....yeah, that would happen anywhere near me) and I'm trying to order a nice gift. There aren't many and they are hard to find. I know he will get the rosary, the prayer book, the frames....sigh. Someone want to start a tasteful Catholic gift company?
(OK, "getting sidetracked" warning....)

Whilst looking, I find what I think will be a cool CD on hymns of adoration. Hmmm. Look further. Daughters of St. Paul. And then the real piece of marketing that tips the scale of interest clear back the other direction:

Eucharistic hymns sung by the Daughters of St. Paul with contemporary music

Sigh. I listened to a sample. It's just odd. Not offensive, just odd as the arrangement isn't quite solid....kinda drifty. So, I continue my search. Both for a nice gift and well performed sacred music for my listening pleasure.

Daughters of Mary Sacred Music

I wanted to share a wonderful new buy. This was a tip from another blogger and now I can't remember his name/site. I purchased this CD after listening to the samples online and I am very pleased and hope to order more. I bought the De Profundis and it has a great mix of Marian and Sacramental hymns. I am trying to decide which to buy next. Daughters of Mary has a website that has the music available. I know that I search for good music and love finding some great resources out there so I hope someone can use this information.
Also, my favorites are De Profundis and O Sacred Head Surrounded. Warning: it is so peaceful that it puts school age children to sleep in the van. You've been forewarned. (Photo credit: www.daughtersofmary.net)
Note: This order(Daughters of Mary) is not part of the Roman Catholic Church under the Holy Father. I just wanted to point that out because I didn't want people purchasing without this knowledge. I can say the music is very beautiful and well done. Until I find an order under the Holy Father that has similar hymns with very traditional appeal, I still highly recommend this CD.

The Latin Mass - The Quire of Voyces

The Latin Mass - The Quire of Voyces
I wanted to mention this wonderful CD. We have had it in the van for a bit and it is truly delightful. My children love it, its calming and it is hauntingly beautiful if you listen while driving through a spring rain or watching the morning sun rise out your window. Can you tell I am quite fond of this? I ordered a second for my parents and I have been waiting a few weeks now for it to arrive. My father heard it and loved it so I hope it was a good buy for them as well. Here is the website for the group:
The Quire of Voyces
You can give their work a listen either on Amazon or the groups site. Enjoy!