https://www.dioceseofnashville.com/documents/2018/2/Web_Diocese_Bishop_Spalding_Mass_Book.pdf

I am surprised that it was not worse than it was. Knowing the parties involved, it could have been much, much worse. And for the record, do not expect the new Bishop to be a liturgical leader. In fact, I would be surprised if there will be any kind of liturgy office. Its that 80's and 90's saccharine liturgy.

One thing I like about the Order of Service - no 'readings' : Lesson, Psalm, Lesson, Holy Gospel; all proclaimed. The use of the words 'readings' and 'readers' serves, IMHO, to flatten liturgy.

My main areas were the Archdiocese of Louisville, Covington and Owensboro with oversight in Nashville, Knoxville and Memphis. This was long ago in the 70's.

It's worse

I'll just say that from the program, it's very sad.

Every hymn-text that I've sung to Thaxted feels utterly crammed into it, and I get no jollity at all from the effort, I'm afraid.

Some of my folks will be participating. I am sure it will be quite nice, but it's better that I stay away from crowds as much as possible.

Every hymn-text that I've sung to Thaxted feels utterly crammed into it ...

Exactly. And near the end, I cannot escape the (awkward? strange? uneasy?) feeling that an orchestra will break out in that "Jupiter, The Bringer of Jollity" orchestral music in which "Thaxted" is embedded ... to be followed by "Saturn, The Bringer of Old Age" which at my age isn't what I want my mind drifting to when singing such hymns.

If they really want spectacle they should start with "Mars, the Bringer of War". The mind boggles what a procession to THAT would look like!

"Mars, the Bringer of War".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwZkAgGuNdU

But these days it is not politically correct to use the term
The Church Militant

I’ve certainly seen worse... I found it interesting that the music was planned and executed by parish musicians, and not the cathedral musician. I would expect that, along with the committee nature of large events like this, contributed to the overall quality of the liturgy.

Having directed the music for the recent installation of the bishop of the neighboring diocese, I can tell you that it’s quite an undertaking, and I would encourage consideration of the circumstances before being too harsh in judgment. The music was quite a few notches up the scale for the events I directed, though, and I was happy that the bishop both supported that and insisted upon it. I understand that Thaxted is used quite a bit, but I don’t apologize in the least for using it myself. The Proulx arrangement is quite fun (they used a different version), the congregation loves to sing it (in Memphis, at least), and we used the recently released orchestral arrangement that was made for the papal liturgy in NYC and it was an absolute blast—a choir of 80, orchestra of 21, and over 3,000 singing in the congregation.

Thankfully, these events don’t happen too often in most dioceses.

Marc

Today it is known as the Church Transgendered.

Stimson, they may become the persecuted members the way things are going.

KoS, I think that is Annabel's point... you could similarly make the argument that the souls in Purgatory (Church Suffering) are "graduates" from members of Church Militant. True, but I wouldn't classify them still as members of Church Militant, any more than I would class those in Church Triumphant still as members of Church Militant, or still as members of Church Suffering because they once were in Purgatory.

I've always understood Church Militant as the ones still in the battle for salvation of one's soul; the ones still undergoing the test. That necessarily excludes all who have died, and the angels in heaven - both groups which were part of Church Militant during their own test.

Many aspect (partial and full) herein are correct; although from different church backgrounds both modern and ancient. The Orthodox have their interpretation too. But what is NOT helpful is attacking people personally and individually. Correction in love no matter how hurtful is fine. But to correct in a manner without offering kind insight and or loving suggestions is disappointing and sad.

I would be surprised to hear angels counted as members of the Church, the mystical Body of Christ.

Thank you fcb regarding the ANGELIC DOCTOR - St Thomas Aquinas; I knew of his statement. If anyone is interested, might I suggest a more indepth research into the less modern concepts of this subject and into the early Father's thoughts and teachings; especially the Orthodox and Byzantine perspectives. Purgatory, for example, is not an early Christian concept or teaching. It is definitely not Pauline. I am aware that this will ruffle the feathers of many Roman Catholics, but Purgatory in a relatively modern doctrine. I say this in sincerity and with love.

One might ask, how does all this relate to the original subject of this thread. I suggest it relates in that there are aspects of today's modern Christianity are in need of light and truth as relates to orthodoxy. I specifically refer to the possibilities that heresies and incorrect doctrines (according to the early Fathers), are still with us, abound, and we as the Church Militant must be ever on guard - IN LOVE - to confront them. GOD will hold us accountable whether its sacred music and art or the rites of the Church performed in and at places that have not been sanctified and set apart; especially auditoriums. This also relates to profane music and art and how it has seriously infiltrated into not only the public square but deeply into the minds, hearts and souls of congregations and its shepherds.

We are all angels (messengers), some, spirits of fire, others with human souls. We all have a responsibility to march in the defense of GOD's light, truth and love!

ps - Since I am not perfect, I too love to learn, and welcome any correction in loving kindness.

As an aside, an overview of the doctrine of purgatory , by the late Fr. John Hardon SJ, including the conciliar teachings from Lyons, Trent, and Vatican II, is at https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=4677.

On the other aside, thanks to fcb for the quotation from St. Thomas on whether angels are members of the Church; I wish he had explained the statement instead of just using it as a basis for the argument he was making in III q 8 a 4. FWIW, Pope Pius XII doesn't cite that quote or take a stand on that question in Mystici Corporis.

As an easterner, I don't put much stock in Purgatory. Latin theology run amok. No electronic distractions so those theologians had too much time on their hands. But easterners definitely do pray for the dead.

On those ordinations. When the current bishop in my town was "installed," - always sounds like they are putting in a new plumbing fixture, doesn't it? A committee of three old ladies and one even older sister put together the music. My pastor at the time said the entire committee should have been scourged. It was truly awful. I didn't say it wasn't well performed, it was just music badly selected. Typical results from a committee.