Gregorian Chant Restored at St. Leo Abbey in Florida

Came across this today while looking for something else - taken from the Abbey's online newsletter.

Beginning in mid-January the abbey began under the

experienced direction of Dr. John Paul Cappa, of Tampa,

to shift emphasis in their chant and divine liturgy to the

time-honored Gregorian chant. The abbey members have

been training under Dr. Cappa in hour-long sessions twice a

week. The goal is to return, at mass and divine office at least

partially, to the singing of the “proper” parts of the mass in

the Latin form.

The use of Latin in the musical prayer life of the Church

was traditional prior to Vatican Council II, and Pope Benedict

XVI has recently granted permission and recommendation

for its use in the Western Church.

B

rother Stanislaw Sullivan, organist, remarks, “The monks

are learning the “Mass of the Angels”, which will be sung on

Easter Sunday and throughout the Easter Season. The chords

of the chant during the Lenten Season are in the minor key and

remind one of penance. During the Lenten Season the abbey

will be using Mass with Mode VIII. The tone is appropriate,

as Lent is a somber time.”

He says, "Finally, on Easter Sunday we sing the light and

happy Mass of the Angels. We are reminded that Christ is

risen! The forty days of penance is over, the days of mourning

the crucifixion are over. The purple vestments are put away

for white and gold. Beautiful flowers once again appear in

the sanctuary and one can smell the fragrant incense during

the Eucharist. With Saint Paul we can say, Oh death where

is your victory? Oh death where is your sting?”

Brother Stanislaw was recalled from his second year of

studies for the priesthood at St. Meinrad Seminary, IN., to

assist in the program of liturgical changes.

This is interesting because this abbey was using the books from St. John's in Collegeville, MN.  Is the same change happening there?  I do know that the late Fr. Gerald Farrell, OSB would be happy at this return to Gregorian.

Comments

[Ger]

That is lovely news indeed.
Hmmm.... something of which to inform Himself as he plots eventual retirement to warmer climes.

(Save the Liturgy, Save the World)