The Narthex
The Mass Is Not a Concert
Music that in form is secular and not exactly sacred is more suited for use 'outside the temple'
By Sabino Paciolla | October 8th 2026 11:47 AMAt the invitation of a friend from Siena, last April we attended a retreat at the Lecceto Hermitage, just outside the city. The retreat was led by a very talented priest. The Benedictine nuns write on their website, "We dedicate seven moments each day: our day begins and ends with…
READ FULL BLOG POSTThe 'Simple' Message of La Salette
She lamented that people didn’t pray, that they didn’t go to Mass, and that they swore
By John M. Grondelski | September 18th 2026 11:13 AMSaturday, September 19, is the feast of Our Lady of LaSalette. The Blessed Mother appeared 180 years ago, in 1846, to two children in the French Alps. Her message was simple, which is perhaps what I find most attractive about it. She lamented three things: that people didn’t pray, that…
READ FULL BLOG POSTAshes & Mass
Receiving ashes in a rush and skipping Mass evinces liturgical illiteracy and workism
By John M. Grondelski | February 16th 2024 12:46 PMI have noticed an Ash Wednesday phenomenon in recent years in Washington. It even preceded COVID. Various clergymen set up tables outside Metro subway stations, offering ashes-on-demand. Last Wednesday morning, for example, there was something of an ecumenical duel outside one station. On the north side of the entrance were…
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