Msgr. Richard J. Schuler: +20 April 2007 – RIP

One year ago, a pivotal figure for liturgy and sacred music in the American, indeed international Church died.  Msgr. Richard J. Schuler’s first anniversay is today.

I humbly ask that you say a prayer today for the respose of his soul.

Papa Ratzinger knew Msgr. Schuler well, and Schuler was a friend of the Holy Father’s brother Msgr. Georg Ratzinger, who himself was a great Church musician in his day.  Card. Ratzinger would often express interest to me when I would run into him at the Palazzo Sant’Uffizio, where I worked for some years, about the music program at St. Agnes and ask about Msgr. Schuler.

When Msgr. Schuler died, I got a note to Msgr. Ganswein, the personal secretary to His Holiness, to inform the Pope.  I requested a telegram, if deemed opportune.  His Holiness was so kind and sent a telegram to St. Agnes parish in St. Paul in time for Monsignor’s funeral.  How many parish priests get for their funerals telegrams from the Pope?

Here are some links to entries from this blog about Msgr. Schuler:

 

Here is PODCAzT 21, from 22 April 2007:

About Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Fr. Z is the guy who runs this blog. o{]:¬)
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6 Comments

  1. gregg says:

    For those in the Twin Cities area:

    Church of Saint Agnes: April 22, 7:30 p.m. – Requiem Mass by Mozart – memorial to Msgr. Richard J. Schuler (1920-2007).

  2. Blessed repose and eternal memory!

    He was indeed a gift to the whole Church and I remember him fondly. His apostolic efforts bore fruit in many vocations and inspired many, both clergy and laity to embrace a “hermeneutic of continuity” long before it became popular.

    It is fitting that the one year anniversary is marked by the presence of the Holy Father in the United States. I had been told that then Cardinal Ratzinger was personally very fond of both the man and his work.

    I will keep him in my prayers today.

    In ICXC,

    Gordo

  3. I will be at the April 22, 7:30 p.m. Requiem Mass by Mozart, for the repose of the soul of Monsignor Schuler. I encourage all peoples to attend.

  4. itsawonderfullife says:

    In addition to all his contributions to sacred music and the chorale
    that he created and maintained, Monsignor Schuler was a remarkable pastor
    to his people.

    His homilies provided concise Catholic teachings that challenged the
    secular world around us for many years. He showed us a glimpse of Catholic
    life with the best of music and art. He made you think and wonder about what
    it meant to be Catholic in more than name only.

    I miss him and suspect I am not alone.

    It was a blessing to have been in his parish. May he rest in peace
    as a faithful servant of his Church.

    Thank you for marking his passing today.

  5. Tom says:

    Father Z wrote: “When Msgr. Schuler died, I got a note to Msgr. Ganswein, the personal secretary to His Holiness, to inform the Pope. His Holiness was so kind and sent a telegram to St. Agnes parish in St. Paul in time for Monsignor’s funeral. How many parish priests get for their funerals telegrams from the Pope?”

    I pray that God will grant eternal salvation to Monsignor Schuler and grant peace and comfort to his family.

    Pax.

  6. Michael B. says:

    Visiting St. Agnes was always like finding an oasis in the desert. The St. Agnes schola was an inspiration for our fledgling men’s schola in Grand Rapids, now in our 13th year. We owe Msgr. Schuler a great debt of gratitude.
    He fought manfully for the Faith, he honored our Lord in every way.
    Fidelium animae, per misericordiam Dei, requiescant in pace. Amen.

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