Sacred Miscellany

Happiness, Anyone?

Today feels very topsy-turvy - strange media headlines ("Psychiatrist Attacks Fort Hood"), lots of unreality - very easy to experience in a tourist town because no matter what's happening in the world, someone is here on vacation.

So why not take a look at The Happiness Project - it's one of the websites that are full of links to problem-solving lists and useful nuggests.  And the most recent posting leads you on to more websites as well. 

Take a break, refresh and reset.  Then figure out what your role in the early 21st century might be.

Of course, I can't do the last until my First Friday gig at the Market on Granada is taken care of.  I'll be creating good vibes with my harp from 5 o'clock to 9 (more or less) this evening. 

Shrine of the Dorest Martyrs

Thanks to the Hermaneutic of Continuity, I learned about this fantastic church.  There's always some new and beautiful ecclesiastical corner to explore.

Hurray and thank you, Fr. Finigan.

Stealing Reputation

Over at The Sacred Music Coach, there's a good post about stealing people's reputations by thoughtless criticism in online postings.  And it's worth remembering that remarks have a long half-life in cyberspace.

If you feel the need to post some clever and biting criticism,  think long and hard before you hit the "send" button.  I probably delete twice as many comments as I ever post.  And I've never regretted it.

Re-reading Thomas Day

The Recovering Choir Director has a great post on the now-classic "Why Catholics Can't Sing."

Since everyone likes a little traffic, go read it over there.

And if you haven't read the book, it's certainly worth your time.

Drowning in the Diurnal? Here's a liturgical life preserver!

The beautiful Latin-English Monastic Diurnal from Farnborough Abbey can be overwhelming.  So much so that the neophyte user fears she will never get past Compline (a fixed office, only changing during the Triduum).

Help is at hand in the blogosphere with Saints Will Arise - a blog that will take you step-by-step through this volume. 

My undying thanks to Terra!

Patrick Hawes' Work in Progress

Trolling around the Internet, I checked up on English composer, Patrick Hawes.

Here's a link to his new project - a Requiem with a narrative of the raising of Lazarus.  Patrick and his brother Andrew, a Church of English cleric and poet, are collaborating on this. 

Also of interest is the solicitation of donors to make this recording possible.  If we want new and beautiful music, either for liturgical or concert use, this is a great idea.  And as a former Classic FM Composer in Residence, Patrick definitely has a following.

 

More Music (and lectures, too) from the CMAA Colloquium

Go to Authentic Update to hear Wednesday's Mass with Cardinal George, as well as lectures on sacred spaces and liturgical life.

And why not use this as an opportunity to enjoy another terrific blog by a great liturgical musician?

Orkney Chant

From the rising of the sun to its setting and from North to South, chant will change the world!

Why not pay a visit to Gregorian Chant in Orkney? And while you'll up in the islands, you'll want to stop by Papa Stronsay to visit the Transalpine Redemptorists. Check out the pictures of the White Nights and their Highland cattle.

Happy Annunciation – Today Our Salvation Began!

Today is the beginning of our salvation,
The revelation of the eternal mystery!
The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin
As Gabriel announces the coming of Grace.
Together with him let us cry to the Theotokos:
Rejoice, O Full of Grace,
The Lord is with You!

- Troparion for the Feast of the Annunciation

Feeling like singing an antiphon or two?  Sub Tuum has them.

Rejoice!

Kudos for St. Cecilia

Why not go over to Amy Welborn’s blog on Beliefnet where you can read all the lovely things she said about the St. Cecilia Schola and my dear friends Jeffrey Tucker and Arlene Oost-Zinner?

They obviously did a smash-up job in Birmingham.

Right now I will take a few moments to be grateful for all the wonderful friends – Jeffrey, Arlene, and Amy – that have come to me from the world of Catholic chant and Internet communications.  Who would have ever thought ….?

Such riches we all can share.