Sed Contra: A Podcast of Catholic Theology The Dies Irae and Christian Hope
Nov 3, 2025
Dr. Joey Belleza, a theologian from Mount St. Mary's Seminary, joins to explore the meaning of the Dies Irae and its controversial removal from the requiem Mass. They discuss personal memories associated with the hymn, its medieval origins, and the nuanced views of Ratzinger on eschatology. Belleza highlights how the text fosters hope despite its themes of judgment. The hosts contemplate the relevance of the Dies Irae in contemporary liturgy and its role in promoting true hope and conversion.
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Personal Graveside Memory
- Fr. Ambrose recounts praying the Dies Irae at his late sister Hannah's gravesite on All Souls Day with his mother.
- His mother asked that the Dies Irae be sung at her funeral, making the text personally significant.
Cambridge Requiem Experience
- Dr. Joey describes serving as master of ceremonies for solemn Requiem Masses in Cambridge honoring Monsignor Alfred Gilby's will.
- He highlights the power of the Dies Irae chant and the moving moment when priests bow at "recordare Jesu pie".
Why The Dies Irae Was Removed
- Post-Vatican II reformers removed the Dies Irae citing a medieval 'negative spirituality' that overemphasized fear and judgment.
- The hosts frame this claim as both historical and theological, inviting close textual assessment.
