Relearning the liturgy to combat the problem of formation
There is a movement, especially among the laity, which seeks a rediscovery of the liturgy as the place of God’s manifest Presence — a rediscovery of the way of beauty.
Editor’s note: The following is a guest commentary by composer and author Aurelio Porfiri.
(PerMariam) — For many years now, people have been speaking about the decline of the Catholic liturgy and of Catholic sacred music. And there are strong reasons to discuss the matter in these terms.
In far too many of our churches and basilicas, the liturgy is celebrated in a careless and disrespectful manner, unworthy of the majesty of God. Everyone knows this problem exists, yet there seems to be little will to do anything to remedy the situation.
Unfortunately, many in the clergy approach these issues ideologically — a mentality that is the offspring of the destructive ideology of the 1970s, one that is entirely anti-traditional and, consequently, anti-Catholic. Many priests who were formed in that tumultuous — and in many respects perverse — period are still today serving as parish pastors, teaching in universities, or even acting as Bishops and Cardinals.
From a merely human perspective, the situation may appear irreparable, given the vast number of disasters committed in recent decades. But there is a movement, especially among the laity, which seeks a rediscovery of the liturgy as the place of God’s manifest Presence — a rediscovery of the via pulchritudinis, the way of beauty.
If I may speak here from personal experience, I would like to mention a few books published in English that have garnered some attention.
To address the tragedy of today’s sacred music, I co-authored When the Harps Went Still with Bishop Athanasius Schneider and musicologist Guido Milanese. This text examines the current state of liturgical music without resorting to pious falsehoods. However, the book that has most clearly shown me how many people desire something more when it comes to the liturgy is The Catholic Mass, written with Bishop Athanasius Schneider—a best-seller now translated into more than ten languages.
This very book inspired an online course titled The Catholic Mass, featuring Bishop Schneider as the main speaker, along with other outstanding contributors such as Dr. Robert Fastiggi, Dr. Kevin Magas, Abbot Philip Anderson, Dr. Edward Schaefer, and Fr. Roberto Spataro.
It is a truly exceptional opportunity for formation in the beauty and dignity of the liturgy—one that can be followed from the comfort of your own home.
The course, beginning on September 24, 2025, is structured around the chapters of The Catholic Mass and aims to offer deeper insights into the various dimensions of the Catholic Mass. It consists of 14 lessons and costs $250 USD.
Part of the proceeds from this course will go to support the activities of the Romaeterna Cantores Association, which is committed to renewing, through the lens of tradition, the appreciation for the great heritage of the Roman school of sacred music. Among its goals is the promotion of a choir school for children, with the aim of forming young boys and girls in a love for what is beautiful, good, and true.
Aurelio Porfiri is a composer, conductor, educator and writer. His music is published in Italy, France, United States, Germany and China. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Association Romaeterna Cantores. He has published over 70 books, that include The Catholic Mass (with Bishop Athanasius Schneider), When the Harps went Still (with Bishop Athanasius Schneider and Guido Milanese), The Right Hand of the Lord is Exalted, Non nova sed noviter.
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