News, analysis, and documents on the Catholic Church, by Sandro Magister, Rome
A selection of articles from www.chiesa
28.11.2015
> Homilies and Gregorian Chant for Advent
A guide to the season of preparation for Christmas. With the best of the preaching of Benedict XVI and with links to all the liturgical chants of the upcoming Sundays and feasts
17.7.2015
> San Marco Must Not Die
It is the most famous Dominican convent in the world. From Florence it has been for centuries a beacon of holiness, of art, of culture. But now it is on the point of being suppressed, by none other than the order of Saint Dominic
9.7.2015
> Benedict and Francis, a Choir of Two Voices
In Paraguay, great music for Pope Francis: that of the Jesuits of the “Reducciones.” And from Castel Gandolfo, Benedict XVI gives an exceptional listener’s guide
19.4.2014
> Masterpieces of Gregorian Chant / The introit of Easter
It is the opening chant of the Sunday of the Resurrection. Here in a brand-new performance presented to us by the "Cantori Gregoriani" and their Maestro
11.4.2014
> Masterpieces of Gregorian Chant / The gradual of the Passion
It is sung on Palm Sunday and on Good Friday. Here in a brand-new performance presented to us by the "Cantori Gregoriani" and their Maestro
4.4.2014
> Masterpieces of Gregorian Chant / The antiphon of the resurrection of Lazarus
It is the communio of the fifth Sunday of Lent. Here in a brand-new performance presented to us by the "Cantori Gregoriani" and their Maestro
29.3.2014
> Masterpieces of Gregorian Chant / The antiphon of the man born blind
It is the communio of "Laetare" Sunday, the fourth of Lent. Here in a brand-new performance presented to us by the "Cantori Gregoriani" and their Maestro
21.3.2014
> Masterpieces of Gregorian Chant / The antiphon of the Samaritan
It is the communio of the third Sunday of Lent. Here in a brand-new performance presented to us by the "Cantori Gregoriani" and their Maestro
14.3.2014
> Masterpieces of Gregorian Chant / The antiphons of the Transfiguration
The introit and communio of the second Sunday of Lent. Here in a brand-new performance presented to us by the "Cantori Gregoriani" and their Maestro
7.3.2014
> Masterpieces of Gregorian Chant / The psalm of the temptation
It is Psalm 90, which recurs in all the chants of the first Sunday of Lent. As in the introit and offertory, here in a brand-new performance presented to us by the "Cantori Gregoriani" and their Maestro
4.1.2014
> Masterpieces of Gregorian Chant / "Ecce advenit"
It is the introit of the feast of Epiphany. In a brand-new performance presented to us by the "Cantori Gregoriani" and their Maestro
23.12.2013
> Masterpieces of Gregorian Chant / "Puer natus"
It is the introit of Christmas Day. In a brand-new performance presented by the "Cantori Gregoriani" and their Maestro
21.12.2013
> Masterpieces of Gregorian Chant / "Rorate caeli"
It is the introit of the fourth Sunday of Advent. In a brand-new performance presented by the "Cantori Gregoriani" and their Maestro
13.12.2013
> Masterpieces of Gregorian Chant / "Gaudete in Domino"
It is the introit of the third Sunday of Advent. In a brand-new performance presented by the "Cantori Gregoriani" and their Maestro
6.12.2013
> Masterpieces of Gregorian Chant / "Populus Sion"
It is the introit of the second Sunday of Advent. In a brand-new performance presented to us by the "Cantori Gregoriani" and their Maestro
6.1230.11.2013
> Masterpieces of Gregorian Chant / "Ad te levavi"
It is the introit of the first Sunday of Advent. In a brand-new performance presented to us by the "Cantori Gregoriani" and their Maestro
29.11.2013
> Masterpieces of Gregorian Chant / A New Release in Six Tracks
The introits of the Sundays of Advent, Christmas, and the Epiphany presented on www.chiesa in a brand-new performance by one of the most distinguished choirs in the world
12.9.2013
> Francis and the Miracle of the Icon
Why the pope placed at the center of the vigil for peace the most venerated image of the Mother of God preserved in Rome. A history of faith that goes back to Gregory the Great. The commentary of Father Innocenzo Gargano
18.4.2013
> The Most Beautiful "Credo" in the World Is in Monreale
There the Christian faith is in full light, in 7,000 square meters of wonderful mosaics from the 12th century. A series of broadcasts on TV 2000 recounts them and presents them to the viewer as never before
12.3.2013
> "Extra Omnes." But Michelangelo Will Be Voting, Too
The microculture typical of the conclave. The effect of the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel upon the cardinal electors. The mysterious sign of Jonah
25.2.2013
> The Vaults of the Vatican and the Pope's Luminous Window
The Church of Rome is depicted by the media as a museum of horrors. In the past it was even worse. But five hundred years ago a pope performed a miracle, which today the whole world admires. A lesson for the imminent conclave
1.8.2012
> Jesus Calls, Matthew Responds
But who is the future apostle, in the famous painting by Caravaggio? The man with the beard, or the young man collecting the money? Two art historians present their competing interpretations here. A dispute that helps pave the way for the Year of Faith
19.7.2012
> The Gospel According to Caravaggio
Who is Matthew in the famous painting? He is the young man collecting money with his head bowed. The television channel of the Italian bishops is revolutionizing the current interpretation. In agreement with a homily of the pope
23.5.2012
> Gregorian Chant. The Revival Announced
The congregation for divine worship wants to put itself in the lead of the rebirth of great sacred music. Here is its program, made public for the first time by one of its officials. But the secretariat of state has its own musicians, and is putting on the brakes
30.3.2012
> Not Sacred Music, but Sounds of Attack
After the choir of the Sistine Chapel, the conservatory of the Holy See is also about to be conquered by those responsible for the musical dissarray of recent decades. To silence from the pope
4.1.2012
> Music New and Old, from the Jungles of Paraguay
The best of Baroque Europe wedded to the folk traditions of the Guaranì of South America. A masterpiece of "inculturation" of the Gospel, conceived by the Jesuits of the seventeenth century and presented again today by local musicians. A lesson for the Churches of old Europe
23.12.2011
> Ecumene in Music. Bach the Lutheran on the Bishops' TV
Between Christmas and New Year's, TV 2000 will air all of the Cantatas composed by Bach for the Masses of the Christmas season. With the theologian and musicologist PierAngelo Sequeri revealing their true essence. A lesson for the Catholic liturgies as well
7.10.2011
> From Cape Cod to Florence. The Artistic Road to Ecumenism
Introducing the "Community of Jesus." They are Protestants, but they follow the rule of Saint Benedict, and want sacred art to draw powerful inspiration from the liturgy. They look kindly on the Catholic Church, as the monks of Taizé did before them
8.9.2011
> Not Just Raphael. The Humble Madonnas Who Have Won the Crown
On exhibit in New Haven, the images of Mary from a hundred shrines of Europe and America. Venerated for centuries, dispensers of graces, and crowned by the Vatican for this. Meanwhile, in Germany, an even more famous Madonna precedes the pope's arrival
5.9.2011
> Ratzinger's Favorite Bach Cantata
It is the one for the last Sunday of the Lutheran liturgical year, centered on the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. All the details of a personal memory of Pope Benedict, on the eve of his next voyage to Germany
6.6.2011
> Only Beauty Will Save Us
In view of a new encounter between Benedict XVI and artists, two blistering criticisms of the Church hierarchy. From art historian Jean Clair and philosopher of aesthetics Enrico M. Radaelli
30.5.2011
> Glorious Music. But the Choir Is Tone Deaf
One weak point of this pontificate concerns liturgical music. Benedict XVI's grand vision is not being backed up by actions, which are even moving in the opposite direction. The latest proof: the ostracism of the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music
7.3.2011
> Benedict's Sunday on TV. With His Homilies Painted and Sung
Art and music will accompany the pope's words, which will act as a guide to the Sunday Mass. The new broadcast will air in Italy every Saturday on TV 2000. But it will be available all over the world on the web
14.2.2011
> New Churches. The Vatican Flunks the Italian Bishops
In "L'Osservatore Romano," Cardinal Ravasi and the "superstar" Paolo Portoghesi criticize the new sacred buildings constructed in Italy with the sponsorship of the episcopal conference. Why they break with tradition and deform the liturgy. A commentary by Timothy Verdon
5.11.2010
> First Mass in the Sagrada Família: The Pope Beatifies Gaudí
Benedict XVI is going to Barcelona to consecrate the masterpiece basilica. And he is proposing it as a model for modern builders of churches. A visitor's guide to the astonishing edifice
27.9.2010
> The Other Curia of Benedict XVI. The Appointments, the Results
Museums, library, culture, music, media. They are the most visible face of the Vatican. And also most exposed to the judgment of all. Here are the pros and cons, case by case, name by name
21.9.2010
> The Feast of Saint Matthew Has a Director: Caravaggio
A new interpretation of his most famous masterpiece: that of the calling of the apostle. Painted with a communicative mastery that today's Christian art has lost
17.9.2010
> Musical Intermission. Noises from the Sistine Chapel
While the pope is in the United Kingdom, maneuvers are underway in Rome to replace the director of the pontifical choir. But the new one would be worse than the old
13.9.2010
> Why Kneel for Communion
Benedict XVI wants it that way, at the Masses he celebrates. But very few bishops and priests are imitating him. Yet this is one reason why churches were given ornate floors. A guide to the discovery of their significance
10.8.2010
> The Encyclical on Faith Has Already Been Painted, by Raphael
Instead of a new encyclical, Benedict XVI is writing the third volume of his trilogy on Jesus. With the Transfiguration on Tabor as its focal point. A liturgist and a theologian explain why
30.4.2010
> Passion of Christ, Passion of Man
This is the motto of the exhibition of the Shroud of Turin, underway in that city. The millions of pilgrims from around the world will be joined on May 2 by the pope. In conjunction, a major exhibit on the body and face of Jesus in art
21.1.2010
> How to Paint a Homily by the Rules of Art
The terrible quality of many Sunday homilies damages the Church's message all over the world. An alternative way is that of explaining the Gospel with the masterpieces of Christian art. In three magnificent volumes, Timothy Verdon shows how
21.11.2009
> "Dear Artists, You Are the Custodians of Beauty"
The complete text of the pope's speech given on November 21, 2009, in the Sistine Chapel, to representatives of all the arts: painters, sculptors, architects, novelists, poets, musicians, singers, men of the cinema, theater, dance, photography
20.11.2009
> Ahead of Meeting with Artists, Pope Benedict Acts as Docent
He has dedicated a general audience to illustrating the Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals of the Middle Ages. In order to explain that "beauty is the most fascinating way to draw near to the mystery of God"
16.11.2009
> Great Roman Polyphony Returns to Saint Peter's
Not in a concert, but in a Mass. It will be conducted by Domenico Bartolucci, the most brilliant interpreter of Palestrina's music alive today. He was removed as head of the Sistine Chapel choir twelve years ago, but now, with Pope Benedict, has finally been rehabilitated
5.11.2009
> "Most Holy Father, in This Era of Irrational Barbarism..."
An appeal to Benedict XVI "for the return to an authentically Catholic sacred art." The main signatory is the great German writer Martin Mosebach. And in the meantime, the meeting between the pope and artists in the Sistine Chapel is drawing near
16.10.2009
> The Saints Who Make Europe
A stunning exhibition has been opened in Rome on the holy patrons of the Old Continent. Martyrs and confessors, monks and virgins, angels and kings, depicted by the greatest artists. An event that goes against the tide, born from the visionary mind of a humble mountain priest
6.7.2009
> The Pauline Chapel Reopened for Worship. With Two New Features
It is the pope's private chapel, in the Vatican buildings. Subjected to a complete restoration, it again has the altar turned toward the tabernacle. But also new is the interpretation that Benedict XVI has given to the two frescoes by Michelangelo, especially concerning the expression of the apostle Peter...
30.6.2009
> New Discoveries. Why St. Paul Was Given a Philosopher's Face
The oldest depiction of the apostle has been found just a short distance from his tomb, which is also the object of new investigations. The Church wanted to represent him as the Christian Plato. A daring decision. And still extremely relevant, even today
26.6.2009
> The Loggia Is Still Closed, but Raphael's Bible Is Now Open to the Public
A book published by the Vatican, with magnificent photos, for the first time allows one to admire in all of its splendor the masterpiece of the consummate artist, generally unavailable to visitors. An exalted form of art that was nourishment for popular piety. And can be again
28.4.2009
> What the Bible Never Said
A major exhibition dedicated to the apocryphal books – the stories and characters not included in the canonical Scriptures. Not to invalidate the Gospels and the Church, but to bring them closer to us
7.4.2009
> Easter in Images. The Last Supper According to Leonardo
Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, explained by Timothy Verdon. An artistically sublime way to understand the passion of Jesus
17.12.2008
> Advent in Music. Seven Antiphons, All Worth Discovering Again
They're sung one per day, at the Magnificat during vespers. They are very ancient, and extraordinarily rich in references to the prophecies of the Messiah. Their initials form an acrostic. Here they are in transcription, with a guide to interpretation
3.12.2008
> Great Music in the Churches of Rome. But in the Vatican, They're Deaf
The Wiener Philarmoniker and other illustrious performers have played in the Roman basilicas, in one case with the pope present. But there's paralysis in the curia. The musical accompaniment of the papal Masses continues to be of appalling mediocrity
16.10.2008
> The Art of Reading the Scriptures. A Lesson for Today's Illiterates
It is the liturgy that must again shape the reading and understanding of the Bible. Just as in medieval monasticism, creator of modern civilization. Timothy Verdon explains why, at a synod that has reached the halfway point
16.9.2008
> From Paris and Lourdes, the Lesson of the "Liturgist" Pope
On his trip to France, Benedict XVI did not only defend the ancient rite of the Mass. He also explained and demonstrated repeatedly what he believes to be the authentic meaning of the Catholic liturgy of today and always. And, about sacred music, he said...
12.9.2008
> "To seek God and to let oneself be found by Him"
Exactly two years after Regensburg, another grand discourse from Pope Joseph Ratzinger to the intellectual world. In Paris, at the Collège des Bernardins, September 12, 2008. Here's the complete text
11.8.2008
> The Pope Theologian Says: The Proof of God Is Beauty
The beauty of art and of music. The wonders of sanctity. The splendor of creation. This is how Benedict XVI defends the truth of Christianity, in a question-and-answer session with the priests of Brixen
16.6.2008
> Christian Pop Art Takes the Stage in the Alps
The Sacred Mountain of Varallo is a triumph of "total art" at the service of the faith. Architects, sculptors, painters, scenographers, have reproduced the life of Jesus in 45 chapels on the mountain. After a period of neglect, the Church wants to restore their splendor. A commentary by Timothy Verdon
3.6.2008
> Pilgrims at the Tomb of Peter. As in Ancient Rome
Ten meters beneath the Vatican basilica, it is possible to walk the same path that led to the tomb of the apostle, among rows of Roman tombs that have emerged, intact, from the excavations. The latest restoration was presented just a few days ago. A marvel of art, history, faith
30.5.2008
> Miracle in Illegio, a Little Mountain Village
The miracle is a magnificent exhibit on Genesis, with masterpieces on loan from the most famous museums in the world, and a drawing never before displayed, which may be a work by Michelangelo. In a remote little Alpine village. As on a new Mount Tabor
3.3.2008
> Abstract Art, Too, Can Help Explain the Scriptures. A Letter by Giuseppe Betori
The archbishop and secretary of the CEI writes to www.chiesa to defend the new Lectionary for the Sunday Masses, illustrated by contemporary painters. "It is the tearing down of a wall, the overcoming of a lack of dialogue between today's art and the Church"
29.2.2008
> The Pro's and Con's of the New Liturgical Lectionary. Two Experts Go Head to Head
They are Timothy Verdon and Pietro De Marco. The former defends the works of the modern artists that accompany the passages from the Sacred Scriptures. The latter severely criticizes both the artists and the patrons
15.2.2008
> Everyone to the "Sacred Theater of Heaven." A Theologian Acts as Guide
The theologian is Enrico Maria Radaelli. His latest book, entitled "Ingresso alla bellezza," is proof that the great tradition of Catholic theology continues, in the years of Joseph Ratzinger, theologian and pope
21.12.2007
> A Test of Courage: Have the Nativity Painted by an Abstract Artist
The Italian bishops' conference has entrusted the illustration of the new Lectionary to thirty contemporary artists, with their styles. It's the first time that a liturgical book has been associated with modern images. An audacious undertaking – and one immediately criticized
7.12.2007
> Required Reading for Visitors to the Sistine Chapel: "Spe Salvi"
The Last Judgment returns powerfully to the fore. An outstanding book gives a new interpretation of Michelangelo's fresco. And Benedict XVI, with his second encyclical, throws new light on the ultimate destiny of man and the world
20.11.2007
> How to Paint a Homily, with the Brush of Luke, Evangelist and Painter
A book by Timothy Verdon comments on the readings for the Mass with the masterpieces of Christian art. It is a "preaching through images" that blossomed for centuries in the Church. And the current pontificate wants to revive it
18.10.2007
> A New Musical Season Opens at the Vatican – And Here's the Program
Pope Ratzinger seems to be stepping up the tempo. The curia will have a new office with authority in the field of sacred music. And the choir of the Sistine Chapel is getting a new director
12.9.2007
> From Vienna, a Lesson on How to Sing the Mass
Haydn's polyphony and the Gregorian antiphons of the ancient missal accompanied the papal liturgy in the Austrian capital, all of which was celebrated with "the gaze fixed upon God." A model for Catholic Masses in the Latin rite all over the world
12.3.2007
> A Catechism in Images: A Very Special Edition of the “Compendium”
It’s printed by FMR, one of the most prominent art publishers in the world. With forty-nine magnificent reproductions of Christian art masterpieces, selected according to Benedict XVI’s guidelines
30.12.2006
> An American in Florence Rewrites Italian Sacred Art
In three large volumes, two millennia of Christian art are recounted for the first time in their original context: the liturgy. The author of the work is Timothy Verdon: the art historian whom Benedict XVI wanted at his side during the last synod of bishops
8.12.2006
> Rediscoveries: A Laocoön for the Church of the Twenty-first Century
A major exhibit in Rome on the most celebrated statue of antiquity. Pope Julius II had it brought to the Vatican – for reasons identical to those maintained by Benedict XVI in Regensburg
9.10.2006
> Gregorian Chant: The Secret Thoughts of Joseph Ratzinger
They are well explained by Giacomo Baroffio, a great expert in liturgical music, using the device of an imaginary discourse written by the current pope, and a request for forgiveness left in his predecessor’s desk
21.7.2006
> I Had a Dream: The Music of Palestrina and Gregory the Great Had Come Back
An exclusive interview with maestro Domenico Bartolucci. Who strangled Gregorian chant and polyphony – and why. And how to bring them back to life. Benedict XVI? “A Napoleon without generals”
27.6.2006
> A Change of Tune in the Vatican – And Not Only in the Secretariat of State
Bertone takes Sodano’s place. But an important shift is also taking place in liturgical music. The way was pointed out by a concert with the pope in the Sistine Chapel, conducted by maestro Bartolucci
7.6.2006
> Here’s How the Church of the Future is Experimenting in the Cathedral of Milan
With video installations, electronic music, and abstract art. With Lenten readings from Oscar Wilde and Jack Kerouac. With the pulpit given over to nonbelievers. All this in the great diocese whose patrons are Saint Ambrose and Saint Charles Borromeo
26.5.2006
> The New Curia of Benedict XVI Looks toward Asia
The new prefect of “Propaganda Fide” comes from India. And the new secretary of the congregation for the liturgy is from Sri Lanka. His first public address was the presentation of a book. And it was revealing
12.4.2006
> “Holy Week at Monreale,” the Author: Romano Guardini
An extraordinary lesson on the liturgy, drawn from life and written by the theologian who was Joseph Ratzinger’s instructor. It’s a short text translated from the original German for the first time
30.3.2006
> Everyone to the Cinema, to Listen to “The Great Silence”
The film was shot at the Grande Chartreuse in Grenoble, and is 162 minutes of pure contemplation. In Germany, it has met with surprising success. And now it has come to Rome
24.3.2006
> A Beautiful Church Has Been Raised At Tor Tre Teste. But It Is Absentminded, and Mute
The pope visits a new church built in Rome by Richard Meier. Its walls are all bare, incapable of expressing the Christian faith. Pietro De Marco compares it with the cathedral of Monreale, and explains how to bring it back to life
30.1.2006
> The Keys of Forgiveness: The Loving Power of the Successor of Peter
Saint Peter’s Basilica turns 500 years old. Art historian Timothy Verdon explains the message conveyed by the stones and images of the Rome of the popes
7.12.2005
> Gregorian Chant Is Returning from Exile. Maybe
Valentino Miserachs Grau, president of the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music, is calling for its revival. Pope Joseph Ratzinger wants it, too. But the path is full of obstacles
17.10.2005
> The "Extra" Synod Father: Raphael
The reproduction of his "Disputation on the Sacrament " has been placed in the hall of the synod on the Eucharist. Timothy Verdon, whom Benedict XVI has called to Rome as an expert consultant, explains why
5.7.2005
> A Catechism for the Culture of the Image
The new "Compendium" of Catholic doctrine includes fourteen masterpieces of painting from both the East and the West. And the pope has explained why. Timothy Verdon: "Benedict XVI has done justice to Christian art"
2.5.2005
> What Really Happened at the Conclave
Benedict XVI's account: the guillotine, the dizziness… The microculture typical of the conclave. How the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel affected the cardinals. The sign of Jonah
28.4.2005
> The “Reform of the Reform” Has Already Begun
His first act was the inauguration mass of his pontificate. Benedict XVI is a pope of the great tradition of the liturgy, with the eucharist at the center. It is a tradition of liturgical texts, rituals, and music – and symbolic places
11.3.2004
> Architecture, Music and Religious Art. The Church¿s Lost Pearl Is Re-Found
The most disturbing transformation the Catholic Church has undergone in the last half century is found in her liturgical artistic forms and expressions. Centuries of the Church¿s wealth of artistic tradition has been forgotten. But work is underway to restore such treasures back to her
5.1.2004
> Spidlik and Caffarra, the Odd Couple Sprung from the Pope's Mind
The first is a great ecumenist, a bridge between the East and the West. The second is an implacable heretic-hunter. But John Paul II favors both of them. And he has promoted them
25.11.2003
> Gregorian Chant: How and Why It Was Strangled in its Own Cradle
Gregorian Chant: How and Why It Was Strangled in its Own Cradle
12.11.2003
> Great Music in the Churches - And Why the Church Should Listen
From Gregorian chant to polyphony, from Bach to Haydn to Mozart. For six days, great sacred music comes back to life in Rome's basilicas. But the Vatican is deaf
28.8.2003
> The New Iconoclasts Have Theology Degrees
Psychobabble, pauperism, the craze for Russian icons and a horror for the Baroque... Pietro De Marco uncovers the traps into which today's theology falls when it is applied to art
8.8.2003
> Churches Under Siege. But the Reconquest Is Beginning in Florence
An American scholar launches the project of a new Renaissance for Europe. From the very city where filth and contempt encrust the masterpieces of Christian art
6.8.2003
> Liturgical Music: "Here Is the Reform that the Church Needs"
Valentino Miserachs Grau, the dean of the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music, blows a clarion call to the leadership of the Church. Will they listen to him?
21.7.2003
> New Liturgies. Bishop Piero Marini doesn't like TV
He's the powerful director of papal ceremonies. Some people criticize his work but, in an article in "La Civiltà Cattolica," he blames the medium of television
14.7.2003
> Forgotten Stones. A Guided Tour of the Places of Liturgy
An unusual book gives new voice and meaning to the Church's architectural patrimony - to fight the risk that it will be forgotten
26.6.2003
> Revelations. Liturgical Art for the New Millennium
Can the Church and art go back to nourishing each other? Timothy Verdon says yes. And the first talented fruits show it
28.5.2003
> Great Sacred Music in Milan. Six Centuries of the Cathedral Choir
The Ambrosian archdiocese also preserves an oasis of resistance against the general abandonment of great liturgical music. A commentary by Paolo Isotta
20.5.2003
> Polyphonic and Gregorian Chant. The Last Bastion at Rome's Basilica of St. Mary Major
The future of the great sacred music is increasingly in danger. The heads of the church are deaf, but in Rome there are some who resist and fight
