catholicliturgy

Emily and Eric examine a new book that contains two essays by Fr. Clarence Rivers: the Black Catholic Studies Reader: History and Theology, recently published by Catholic University of America Press. We speak with editor Fr. David Endres, a priest of Archdiocese of Cincinnati, seminary dean, and editor of US Catholic Historian. We also speak to one of the book’s contributors, Dr. Cecilia Moore, associate professor of religious studies at University of Dayton. We talk about how the Reader came to be, what it aims to achieve, and how it forms a conversation between newer scholars and those foundational voices, like Fr. Rivers, who paved the way for Black Catholics in the United States. Emily and Eric get big ideas for future projects involving Fr. Rivers’ writings, and Fr. David reflects on how Fr. Rivers is remembered among Cincinnati clergy. For Episode 23's Show Notes, click here.

Emily and Eric continue their conversation with composer Ken Canedo by asking a tough question about whether Fr. Rivers got co-opted and left behind by the White folk movement in the American Catholic Church. Ken provides a thoughtful response that involves (of all things) Catholic missalettes and lack of accompaniment, and discussion turns to the ways Fr. Rivers may have unintentionally hindered access to his own works. We pose Ken our standard question about Fr. Rivers’ obscurity, and Ken’s answer is perhaps the most practical we’ve received: it’s because his music has long been unavailable. There's more: enjoy this second part of our interview with composer Ken Canedo. For Episode 19 Show Notes, click here.

Eric and Emily interview celebrated Catholic liturgical music composer and liturgy scholar Fr. Jan Michael Joncas, who has penned such classics as “On Eagles’ Wings” and “I Have Loved You” about Rivers as a composer. Fr. Mike shares two of his own compositions for liturgy in which one can hear Fr. Rivers’ influence clearly (full songs included). The conversation situates Rivers as an American Catholic composer and highlights Fr. Rivers’ historical significance, our changing times, and other composers who inspire Fr. Mike today (some of whom might surprise you). Fr. Mike offers a helpful, hopeful list of essential elements for composing mystagogical liturgical music in our modern age, Eric gives music recommendations and Emily fan-girls over Fr. Mike’s music (but only a little). It’s an episode that will interest musicians, composers, and anyone who loves good music. For Episode 17 show notes, click here.

Fr. Joseph A. Brown, SJ is our guest on this episode: a Jesuit priest and professor of Africana studies and scholar of Black Catholicism and liturgy. Fr. Brown is a poet, an artist and was a friend and colleague of Fr. Rivers. He tells how he first heard Fr. Rivers’ music and shares his belief that Fr. Rivers’ scholarly works are an undiscovered gem of American Catholicism. Hosts and guest discuss how we must share Rivers' ideas and legacy in the digital age. Fr. Joseph teaches us about sankofa: a West African, cyclical concept of the cosmos which emphasizes a return to the past to bring forth present and future. He suggests with some urgency that we “do the sankofa thing” with the teachings of Fr. Rivers, to renew the Church and empower the people of God. For Episode 16 Show Notes, click here.