Above, the hosts of angels sing praise; below, men form choirs in the churches and imitate them by singing the same doxology... The inhabitants of heaven and earth are brought together in a common assembly; there is one thanksgiving, one shout of delight, one joyful chorus. (St. John Chrysostom) How can we participate fully and harmoniously in this "joyful chorus" when we cannot easily perceive the angels with our physical senses ..read more

Are we aware of the depth and breadth of meaning in the words "Lord, have mercy" as we recite or sing them in the Mass? Studying the use of the word "mercy" in the Old and New Testaments, in Church Tradition, and in the great Liturgical traditions of the East, opens up new vistas in which we see that this not only a plea for the forgiveness of our sins, but also for God's gracious help in all dimensions of our lives and in the the lives of all people ..read more

Outside of the world of opera, isn’t there something fundamentally incompatible between sincere penitence and singing? How then has the Liturgy brought these two seemingly contradictory acts into harmony with one another ..read more

Do the liturgical musical settings we use in the Mass correspond to the description given by the Second Vatican Council – that they are to be a “new part in the musical heritage of the Church, not unworthy of its past”? Do they radiate the holiness, beauty, and universality which have characterized this heritage ..read more

Because our seminarians and priests have typically been strongly influenced by the music of our secular culture, and cut off from an authentic living tradition of priestly chant, they are often in need of discernment and/or re-education in this important aspect of their formation ..read more

When we read the words “opening the celebration” in the GIRM, it is crucial to remember that the Sacred Liturgy is no ordinary celebration. It is one of transcendent dignity, instituted by Christ, handed down through the Apostles and their successors, in which heaven and earth are meant to meet ..read more

Let's begin by reviewing three essential principles articulated by the Second Vatican Council, which provide a clear and reasonable basis for the choice of music in the Liturgy of the Roman Rite ..read more

I am very happy to announce the resumption of my regular blogs and podcasts on the renewal of Catholic sacred music, beginning on January 6th (the traditional date of the Epiphany ..read more

Mary's Magnificat is also suited to be at the heart of all our work. Whether it be in the way we make music, in the way we relate to one another, or in the way we meet the many challenges which belong to our vocation, we are called to reveal, each in our own small way, the infinite goodness of the Lord ..read more

Sacred liturgical music, whether it be traditional or contemporary, can only fulfill its purpose to the extent that it leads us, clearly and strongly, beyond itself to the silent presence of God ..read more