VATICAN CITY, DEC. 5, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI appealed for greater attention to sacred liturgical music, in a message sent to the prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments.
In his brief message to Cardinal Francis Arinze, the Pope greeted the participants in a day of study organized today by that Vatican dicastery on the topic "Sacred Music: A Liturgical and Pastoral Challenge."
The congress was responding to Pope John Paul II's desire, expressed in a 2003 chirograph, in which he called the dicastery to intensify its efforts in the field of sacred liturgical music.
"Echoing the call of my beloved predecessor, I would like to encourage those who cultivate sacred music to continue this journey," said Benedict XVI said.
In particular, the Holy Father suggested that the Vatican congregation reflect "on the relationship between music and liturgy, while remaining attentive to practical applications and experimentation, and maintaining constant understanding and collaboration with national episcopal conferences."
When opening the congress, Cardinal Arinze explained: "Sacred music must be in accord with the grandeur of the liturgical act that celebrates the mysteries of Christ; it must be characterized by a sense of prayer, beauty and dignity."
Vatican Radio quoted him saying: "In no way must it give way to shallowness, superficiality or theatricality."
If you read Ratzinger's "Spirit of the Liturgy" you see that he wants sacred music in the liturgy and not mere religious or secular music in the liturgy. There is a difference between the three: the first celebrates God, the second celebrates humanity's love or view of God, the last (usually) celebrates humanity itself.
Paul, good point. Thanks for the distinction.
J.M.J.
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Paul,
Is anyone in the United States doing anything to improve its liturgical music?
Olivia Maria, there are too many people and organizations to list. To begin, you can scan the list of links in my "music" side bar; and, definitely make a point of checking out Recovering Choir Director. Hope that helps.
J.M.J.
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Paul,
Thank you for your ideas...I will look them over. Hope everything goes well with the work that you are doing.
Another question...Do you know any particular organizations that work admist the parishes? I can not explain to you how I know this, but I feel called to help change the music...This is why I have asked you these questions. If you can help me with this no one but Our Dear Lord will be able to reward you. Pax Christi!
Olivia
No, Olivia, I do not know of any such parish-level organizations. It seems to me that those who work for chage at the parish level are islands unto themselves. In other words, they make concrete change at the grassroots level - the individual parish. I don't how you could begin the dream you have, but maybe the only way is to find some like-minded people at your parish, and just get started. If it grows from there, so be it.
J.M.J.
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Dear Paul,
Thank you for all of your information and comments...and I thank you for your encouragement...
God bless you always!