This coming Thursday is the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord . . . at least in many dioceses (and of course, wherever the traditional liturgical calendar is followed). It may not surprise you, if you are a regular reader of this blog, that I'm not a fan of moving important feasts like Ascension Thursday … Continue reading J.S. Bach – Lobet Gott in Seinen Reichen (from the Ascension Oratorio)
“Hallelujah” from Beethoven’s Christ on the Mount of Olives
Today's Music for Easter selection, performed by the Chancel Choir of the Broadway Baptist Church in Louisville, KY, is the magnificent concluding “Hallelujah” from Beethoven's Christ on the Mount of Olives. As the title suggests, the work as a whole is a musical dramatization of Christ's agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. While that sounds … Continue reading “Hallelujah” from Beethoven’s Christ on the Mount of Olives
We Are More Than What We Do: St. Joseph the Worker
They say that necessity is the mother of invention but, as today's feast of St. Joseph the Worker shows us, sometimes measures taken for practical purposes can point to deeper truths. Pope Pius XII The memorial of St. Joseph the Worker is a very recent addition to the liturgical calendar. Pope Pius XII, who wanted … Continue reading We Are More Than What We Do: St. Joseph the Worker
Music for the Easter Season: Regina Caeli, by Gregor Aichinger
The Regina Caeli ("Queen of Heaven") is a prayer that is closely associated with Easter. We usually recite this prayer instead of the Angelus during the Easter Season, at which time it also serves as the the Marian Antiphon at the end of Compline (Night Prayer). The beautiful musical setting for the Regina Caeli below … Continue reading Music for the Easter Season: Regina Caeli, by Gregor Aichinger
Catching Flies With Honey: St. Mellitus of Canterbury
There's an old saying that you catch more flies with a spoonful of honey than you do with a vat of vinegar. That old saw is well illustrated when considering the life of a Saint whom we remember this weekend, St. Mellitus of Canterbury (died April 24th, A.D. 624). His name, in fact, means "honeyed". In his … Continue reading Catching Flies With Honey: St. Mellitus of Canterbury
Palestrina: Exultate Deo (Sacred Music for Easter)
One of my goals with this blog is to promote the incredibly rich store of Catholic art, including sacred music, that we have inherited from our forerunners in the Faith. Regarding sacred music, a few years back when I was teaching in a (more or less) Catholic school I was talking to one of the music … Continue reading Palestrina: Exultate Deo (Sacred Music for Easter)
God’s Existence isn’t a Dark Matter
Like Dark Energy, God cannot be measured with scientific instruments . . . but his effects are very clear.
Have a Blessed and a Happy Easter! (Jesus Christ is Risen Today)
https://vimeo.com/531973336 Feature image: ""The Resurrection of Christ" by Piero della Francesca, c. 1460
St. Philemon the Actor: Martyr and Anti-Hypocrite
In the ancient world actors such as Philemon used to wear masks . . . but the Lord can see through any act: there are no masks before the throne of God.
What To Do About Vatican II
Do you want to start an instant fight in a group of Catholics, any group, no matter how large or small? Here's a method guaranteed to work 100% of the time: just mention Vatican II. That's all it takes, just toss it in there like a hand grenade and watch the fireworks begin! You can find … Continue reading What To Do About Vatican II