Not a bad morning for the Archdiocese of Boston

Bp. Lennon ordained nine new priests today at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross; it's a bigger crop than some recent years have seen, but as Fr. Wilson points out, St. John's Seminary so far has no entering students for the fall term.

Since John will be interested, here's a list of the music in the 2 1/2-hour service:

Procession: Festival Canticle ("This is the feast of victory")
Kyrie XVI with English tropes; simple ending.
Melodic Gloria by J. Chepponis
Psalm 89, setting by R. Twynham: too elaborate for ordinary parish use, but the text is suited for ordinations.
Gospel Acclamation by the late great Theodore Marier, from his Hymns, Psalms, and Spiritual Canticles

Litany of the Saints: just the usual English version.
It was interesting to hear the optional names in the list presumably added at the request of the ordinandi: St. Pio, St. Escriva, Bl. Andre Bessette, St. Faustina, St. John Vianney!

Laying on of Hands: Veni Sancte Spiritus, in English with Latin refrain ("Veni Sancte Spiritus/da perenne gaudium"), arranged by Leo Abbott.
Investiture: Veni Creator Spiritus, plainchant
Anointing of Hands: Psalm 110 ("You are a priest forever"), setting by John Schiavone
Pax: Psalm 100 ("God is our shepherd, and we the flock"), setting by Howard Hughes, S.M.

Preparation of Gifts: a choir anthem, O How Amiable by R. Vaughan Williams
Sanctus/Memorial/Amen from Mass for the City, R. Proulx
Lamb of God: Holy Cross Mass, Isele

Communion:
I Am The Good Shepherd, Hytrek
There Is No Greater Love, Joncas
Magnificat, Chepponis

Recessional: Crucifer ("Lift high the cross")

Just about all of it was good dignified sacred music: the only piece I'd cavil at was the Joncas number ("There is no greater love, says the Lord, than to lay down your life for a friend"). It's a little too syrupy and theatrical for my taste, so I skipped singing it, as did most of the congregation; but in the front pews the hundred or so priests in attendance sang the refrain pretty well. It was actually kind of sweet to hear it as one approached the minister for the sacrament.