When, five weeks later, Pius XII announced the feast of St. Joseph the Worker (which caused the ancient feast of Ss. Philip and James to be transferred, and which replaced the Solemnity of St Joseph, Patron of the Church), there was open opposition to it.
For more than a year the Sacred Congregation of Rites refused to compose the office and Mass for the new feast. Many interventions of the pope were necessary before the Congregation of Rites agreed, against their will, to publish the office in 1956—an office so badly composed that one might suspect it had been deliberately sabotaged. And it was only in 1960 that the melodies of the Mass and office were composed—melodies based on models of the worst taste.
"We relate this little-known episode to give an idea of the violence of the reaction to the first liturgical reforms of Pius XII".
I wonder if this is true. The author makes an error later in the article: John XXIII introduced the name of St. Joseph into the Canon during the council, violating the tradition that only the names of martyrs be mentioned in the Canon. He forgot that the Blessed Virgin Mary is the first saint mentioned in the Canon!
Right off the SSPV website! No surprise here :)
against their will, to publish the office in 1956—an office so badly composed that one might suspect it had been deliberately sabotaged. And it was only in 1960 that the melodies of the Mass and office were composed—melodies based on models of the worst taste.
Is this opinion or fact? Who determined what is bad composition or taste? I have a copy of the Office, and its antiphons are beautiful ("Christ became worthy to be the son of an artisan"), and the Introit is sung in a beautiful and joyful 7th. Mode. The readings of Matins incorporate the passage of Genesis about how work was dignified BEFORE the fall, and also the writings of Pius XII in establishing this feast.
violating the tradition that only the names of martyrs be mentioned in the Canon. He forgot that the Blessed Virgin Mary is the first saint mentioned in the Canon!
Actually, Our Lady is considered the Queen of Martyrs, and hence they (SSPV) will tell you that she rightfully should be included in that list.