ALLELUIA CHEE CHEE REDISCOVERED!

More (Argent) and more (Curt Jester) people are rediscovering it!
Imagine waking up to that thing?! Or even worse, imagine waking up to that goofy music?!
Peace,
BMP

THE "ROE" IN "ROE V. WADE" REPENTS

RSCT to Deborah Morlani from NLM, who posted this video via Facebook. Norma McCorvey (alias "Jane Roe") regrets her part in legalizing abortion.

Now if only our elected officials will repent in a similar manner...



I'm actually reading the whole story about Mrs. McCorvey in Wikipedia (for the first time). It's great to see that she not only repented, but had joined the Catholic Church. Again - now if these politicians will only see the light the way Mrs. McCorvey did. Good for her!

Peace,
BMP

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS - TWO EXACT OPPOSITES!

First - last week:

Second Sunday of Ordinary Time - 10:30 AM Mass
St. Cecilia's Church, Pawtucket, RI - January 18, 2009

On the most part: crappy hymns, decent Mass settings.

Michaels...O bless the Lord, the God of all creation (blech!)
Alstott...Here am I, Lord and Alleluia (OK)
Schutte...Here I am, Lord
- (Of course, the music to the chorus should be somewhat credited to Frank DeVol)
Alstott...Heritage Mass (good!)
Joncas...I have loved you
Schutte...Glory and praise to our God (blech!)

Now, today:

Third Sunday of Ordinary Time - 10:00 AM Mass
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Providence, RI - January 25, 2009

This time, on the most part, decent hymns, crappy Mass settings.

MADRID...Come, Christians, join to sing (Nice!)
Haugen...Gloria from "Massive Cremation"
- (Despite the pastor's intoning to the tune of Alex Peloquin's "Mass of the Bells", yes, we were serenaded with "Massive Cremation" instead!)
Alstott...Teach me your ways and Alleluia (OK)
NEW BRITAIN...Amazing Grace (tolerable in limited portions)
- (At first I thought the organist had stolen the cue from either Dr. Peloquin or myself, that is, modulating from F to G. However, this guy did it a little different - he modulated to G for verse 4 and brought it back to F in verse 5. I would modulate only for the final verse.)
Schutte...Sanctus from the infamous "Jesuits Mass"
I don't know where the Memorial Acclamation (When we eat this bread) and Amen came from - sounded like it was adapted from something Hispanic. (NOTE: Two of the five Masses at OLMC are in Spanish.)
Olawski...Agnus Dei (blech!)
Farrell...Christ, be our light (tolerable in limited portions)
ST. ELIZABETH...Blessed by your sacrifice
- (I LOVE the tune! I like even more that he played it in E-flat and not the printed D!)

Peace,
BMP

FOLLOWING MY RESOLUTION

Some of you may remember that I had made a New Year's Resolution for the first time in a long time.

In following through with said resolution, I just sent out my first resume of 2009 - to a church in the Diocese of Worcester (Massachusetts). I won't mention the name of the church, but I will tell you it does have a two-manual pipe organ in the choir loft (I don't know who built it, and won't till I get to audition).

Should I get the job, I get to serve in a diocese where, like my home diocese in Providence, there is a great bishop (Bp. McManus, who was an Auxiliary in Providence before becoming an Ordinary in Worcester).

Peace,
BMP

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Baptism of the Lord - January 11, 2008 (9:30 AM)
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, RI

"Winchester New"...On Jordan's bank the baptist's cry
Alstott...You will draw water joyfully and Alleluia
"Bunessan"...Baptized in Water
Vermulst...Sanctus and Agnus Dei from "People's Mass"
Deiss...There is one Lord (I like most of Fr. Deiss' work, including this one, but not as a memorial acclamation)
Danish...Amen
"Pescador de Hombres"...Lord, you have come to the seashore
- (I actually don't mind this one.)
Schutte...Glory and praise to our God
- (First time I heard this sung was at a church in Cumberland, RI. The organist, who sang from the console, did her best impression of Minnie Pearl-meets-Tiny Tim on the line "who alone gives light to our days!" True story!)

Peace,
BMP

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

For all those ACLU-type nutcases who do everything in their power to try to eliminate Almighty God from the mindset of our country, consider this: Do you know that God is (at the very least) mentioned in the preambles of ALL FIFTY states' Constitutions? Watch this...
(RSCT to Gina, a friend of my wife Ann)

Alabama 1901, Preamble
We the people of the State of Alabama, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution. .
Alaska 1956, Preamble
We, the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.
Arizona 1911, Preamble
We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution. ..
Arkansas 1874, Preamble
We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government.. .
California 1879, Preamble
We, the People of the State of California , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom...
Colorado 1876, Preamble We, the people of Colorado , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe...
Colorado 1876, Preamble
We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe,...do ordain and establish this constitution for the "State of Colorado". ("Supreme Ruler of the Universe" --- still God!)
Connecticut 1818, Preamble
The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.
Delaware 1897, Preamble
Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences. (OK, the name "God" isn't mentioned here, but "Divine Goodness", especially with both words beginning in capital letters, implies God. Same with "Creator".)
Florida 1885, Preamble
We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution. ..
Georgia 1777, Preamble
We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution. ..
Hawaii 1959, Preamble
We , the people of Hawaii, Grateful for Divine Guidance ... Establish this Constitution.
(See my Delaware note.)
Idaho 1889, Preamble
We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.
Illinois 1870, Preamble
We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
Indiana 1851, Preamble
We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.
Iowa 1857, Preamble
We, the People of the State of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.
Kansas 1859, Preamble
We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.
Kentucky 1891, Preamble
We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties..
Louisiana 1921, Preamble (Jason's state)
We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.
Maine 1820, Preamble
We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity .. And imploring His aid and direction.
Maryland 1776, Preamble
We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...
Massachusetts 1780, Preamble
We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction.
Michigan 1908, Preamble
We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, establish this Constitution.
Minnesota 1857, Preamble (Home of Haugen D'Hass)
We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:
Mississippi 1890, Preamble
We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.
Missouri 1845, Preamble
We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness . Establish this Constitution. .. (See my Colorado note.)
Montana 1889, Preamble.
We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ..
Nebraska 1875, Preamble
We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom . Establish this Constitution.
Nevada 1864, Preamble
We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution. ..
New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V
Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.
New Jersey 1844, Preamble
We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
New Mexico 1911, Preamble
We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty..
New York 1846, Preamble
We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.
North Carolina 1868, Preamble
We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those...
North Dakota 1889, Preamble
We, the people of North Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...
Ohio 1852, Preamble
We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common.
Oklahoma 1907, Preamble
Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings o f liberty, establish this
Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2.
All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences
Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble
We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance....
Rhode Island 1842, Preamble (My home state, where over 60% of its population is Catholic... well, at least on paper)
We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing...
South Carolina 1778, Preamble
We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
South Dakota 1889, Preamble
We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties.
Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III
That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience.. .
Texas 1845, Preamble
We the People of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.
Utah 1896, Preamble
Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.
Vermont 1777, Preamble
Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man. (Interesting reference to God - "Author of Existence".)
Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI
Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other (See my Delaware note.)
Washington 1889, Preamble
We the People of the State of Washington, grate ful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution (See my Colorado note.)
West Virginia 1872, Preamble
Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God... (I like the mini-Credo here!)
Wisconsin 1848, Preamble
We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility.
Wyoming 1890, Preamble
We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution. ..

After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe, the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts are wrong!

The author of the post given to me also acknowledges:
Please note that at no time is anyone told that they MUST worship God.

And finally, this quote from William Penn:
Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants.

There you go! Eat your heart out, ACLU and similar nutcases!
Peace,
BMP

CATHEDRAL RECTOR/MUSIC DIRECTOR NAMED MONSIGNOR

Pope Benedict XVI recently named ten priests in the Diocese of Providence to the papal honor of "Monsignor". One of them is Msgr. Anthony Mancini, director of the Gregorian Concert Choir. In 1991, Msgr. Mancini succeeded Alexander Peloquin as music director of the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul in Providence, a post he continues to hold today. In 2004, he was also appointed Cathedral rector. He is also a composer of many musical pieces, some which appear in the catalog of CanticaNOVA.

Full story: Rhode Island Catholic.

Congratulations to our ten new monsignors!
Peace,
BMP

CATHOLIC CARNIVAL 206...

...is up and runnin' at 50 Days After.

For the first time in quite some time, I sent a post to the Carnival. I gave Contra two and said "pick one!" because I was undecided which one I wanted to send. Kind of like that Raspberries song from 1974 - I don't know what I want, but I want it now!

Anyhoo, he picked the New Years resolution post. Fine by me. :)

Enjoy!
Peace,
BMP

TWO UNSOLICITED PLUGS

This morning, Gavin sent this plug in the Musica Sacra forums regarding my setting for Psalm 72 for Epiphany (Lord, every nation on earth will adore you) (RSCT to Rich):

Is it just me, or are there really NO good settings of the Epiphany psalm? I can never find anything I like, until this year when I found a great setting by Brian Page on Cabanel.

Yesterday, Jeff Ostrowski at Chabanel forwarded the following e-mail (a co-plug along with Fr. Jeffrey Keyes' setting - great company, mind you!) from his brother, a seminarian at the famed Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis:

We needed the psalm for tomorrow's retreat. I was like .. shoot. Then I remembered the beautiful site that has many versions of what I need.

http://chabanelpsalms.org/CHABANEL_PSALM_TOME/keyes/4168_Epiphany.pdf i liked this one but my buddy liked this one http://chabanelpsalms.org/CHABANEL_PSALM_TOME/4571_L72B.pdf

Thanks much, guys! It's great to see my work making the rounds in parishes other than the ones I served.

Incidentally, Elisabeth Pifer used my settings at St. Clement Eucharistic Shrine in Boston for all four Sundays of Advent. You can hear those here. Our good friend Ryan at the RPInet boards has used my settings on occasion as well. Again, thanks much for your support. :)

I'll be finishing the Lent collection soon. Sunday I is done.

One other note: All of the Psalms at the Chabanel project (ALL composers) adhere to the current approved translation. If and when the new translation gets approved, rest assured that I will rework my settings accordingly. That way there you won't have to settle on "Celebration Series" or "Singing the Psalms".

Peace,
BMP

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Epiphany (Ordinary Form) - January 4, 2009
Holy Ghost Church, Providence, RI

No, not the Holy Ghost I used to work for!

This Holy Ghost is a parish run by the Missionaries of St. Charles, aka the Scalabrini Fathers. They still have a Mass in Italian each Sunday (as well as one in Spanish).

In late August of 2004, I filled in for the 9:00 English Mass and the 11:00 Italian Mass for George Mancini, the current music director at Holy Ghost. It was the first and only time I ever played an Italian Mass. The organ is a Wicks, augmented by Rodgers (added digital ranks and three-manual console). This organ is fun to play. The only sucky part is having to tune the digital ranks to the pipes on a hot day (the church has no air conditioning, and it was about 90 degrees by 11 AM on the day I played).

This morning I attended the 9 AM Mass in English. Here's the music list for today:

English carol...The first Nowell
Gloria...Mancini (a through composed Gloria that George wrote himself - well written!)
Haugen D'hass...All the ends of the earth
- (NOTE: The actual proper of the day, Ps. 72, is also the seasonal for Epiphany, not Ps. 98.)
Walker/O'Carroll...Celtic Alleluia
Kings of Orient...We three kings of Orient are
- (NOTE: The music during the Liturgy of the Eucharist is stuff I would have avoided.)
Dufford/Schutte...Sanctus and Amen
Adeste Fideles...O come, let us adore him (NOT a memorial acclamation)
Olawski...Agnus
Greensleeves...What child is this
Mendelssohn...Hark! the herald angels sing!

Peace,
BMP

POSSIBLE CANDIDATE FOR A JANUARY 2009 WTF AWARD?

RSCT to my son Brian...



OK - he's homeless, but he has a PayPal account?

George Carlin once mentioned the perfect place for affordable housing for the homeless - GOLF COURSES! Why not? There's enough land to "fill two Rhode Islands and a Delaware" dedicated to a "useless, arrogant sport". Hey, why not? After all, the neighbors simply say, "not in MY back yard!"

Peace,
BMP

THE TWELVE DAYS OF 2009

This is hilarious. Posted by Simplex Vir at the Catholic Cavemen blog.

On the first day of 2009, my USCCB gave to me;

Barrack Obama in the White House.

On the second day of 2009, my USCCB gave to me;

two liberal preistesses. and ......... (You mean Poncho Ladies, don't you?)

On the third day of 2009, my USCCB gave to me;

three reasons why we should not kneel, ..........

On the fourth day of 2009, my USCCB gave to me;

four sandled jesuits, .........

On the fifth day of 2009, my USCCB gave to me;

five misinterpretations of the GIRM,........

On the sixth day of 2009, my USCCB gave to me;

six contribution envelopes for ACORN, .........

On the seventh day of 2009, my USCCB gave to me;

seven earth worshiping liturgists, .......... (You mean LiturGEISTS.)

On the eight day of 2009, my USCCB gave to me;

eight examples of cowardice, ..........

On the ninth day of 2009, my USCCB gave to me;

nine new cafegymatoriums, ..........

On the tenth day of 2009, my USCCB gave to me;

ten new feast days for social justice, ..........

On the eleventh day of 2009, my USCCB gave to me;

eleven new prayers for climate change, ...........

On the twelth day of 2009, my USCCB gave to me;

twelve reasons to shut the bums down.......

Peace,
BMP

GREETINGS, SALUTATIONS, AND BLESSINGS...

...to all readers of CV-the B for a healthy and happy 2009!

and now...
MY NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION FOR 2009

The last couple of years, my New Year's resolution has been not to make any resolutions (inspired by Jeff Miller's "giving up giving up things for Lent").

This year is different!

My resolution is to be a parish music director and organist (for a decent salary) once again sometime in 2009, whether it be in January, June, or even December. It's not that I don't like the Schwan's job. Don't get me wrong. I do, however, miss the ministry. I've gone TWO straight Christmases without a parish post after over 27 years of service to the Church. Enough is enough!

The only requirements are
1. Decent salary
2. Appreciation for a music program that is primarily traditional
3. Comfort in introducing Latin and chant
4. Support for a liturgy that conform to the REAL wishes of the existing liturgy documents from the Vatican.
5. Must be within a reasonable drive from my home. My kids have a lot of things going here right now, so relocation is not an option.

I'll be on the lookout!
Peace,
BMP