Vatican experts say Pope may propose reform of liturgical music in coming weeks

News Resources Tools Columns Documents ACI Group

Contenidos del sub-menu

Comments: 32

Vatican City, Nov 6, 2006 / 12:00 am (CNA).- Sources close the Holy See are saying that during his upcoming visit to the St. Cecilia Music Academy Pope Benedict XVI may address the need to recover the quality of sacred music in the liturgical life of the Church.

The feast of St. Cecilia, patroness of music, will be celebrated on November 22, and the Pontiff has announced that during that week he intends to visit the academy of music in Rome that bears the saint’s name.

According to Vatican sources consulted by the Catholic News Agency, the Holy Father, who has expressed his concern over liturgical music, may address the need to recover the place of sacred music, “both Gregorian and polyphonic,” in the Catholic liturgy.

“This pronouncement could even take the form of a ‘Motu Propio,’ an official document issued on the Holy Father’s own initiative,” sources said.

Since the election of Pope Benedict XVI, sacred music has been given greater attention in the Roman liturgy

On November 19, as part of the year of Mozart—one of Pope’s favorite composers—Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, Archbishop of Vienna, will preside at a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, in which the famous Philharmonic Orchestra of Vienna will present Mozart’s Mass of Coronation.

Although no time has been official allotted for remarks by the Holy Father, it is possible he will address the faithful at the conclusion of the liturgical celebration.

Comments: 32

Subscriber comments:

Published by: James
Truro, MA 04/17/2009 11:02 AM EST

Within the context of the Nicene Creed, the word CATHOLIC means UNIVERSAL and ALL-EMBRACING. It does not refer to narrowly targeted cultural norms derived from the western domains of the Roman Empire and Medieval Europe.

The term “cafeteria” Catholics usefully describes members who refuse to accept major teachings with respect to theology and morals. The term should not be used to describe loyal members who love to hear Protestant hymns, guitars, and drums in church. It’s bizarre and mean-spirited to assert that such music is “garbage” which does not belong within the one holy, CATHOLIC, and apostolic church.

There is no evidence that Jesus ever spoke in Latin. Aramaic was His native tongue, and Greek was the empirical tongue of His day. Latin rites, Polyphony, Gregorian chant, and Coronation Masses emerged long after His resurrection, and their contents were never understood by a vast portion of undereducated church members.

I respect those who are inspired by pre-Vatican II liturgical norms, and do not want to see them disappear. However, it’s absurd to believe that pre-Vatican II liturgical norms are God’s norms.

Published by: David
USA 07/18/2007 10:02 AM EST

Look, the music used at Mass (at least in the English speaking world) since Vatican II is, let's face it, trite, banal, unartistic mush that "dumbs down" the Liturgy. Those who say that such insipid music "speaks to the people" do not know history..."the people" are generally idiots and always will be. There is a wealth of gorgeous music written for the Mass and other sacred functions, music that truly is inspired and moves the soul, as well as glorifies God. Were it up to me, I'd smash every guitar and drum, and excommunicate every so-called modern liturgist just for bad taste!

Published by: Gloria
Murrieta / CA / USA 11/08/2006 01:47 AM EST

It would be nice to be able to bring more sacred music back in the Liturgy and get rid of the "rock" music. We have to admit that the younger people probably enjoy participating at a Mass, e.g., Youth & Life Teen, that has livelier music, but the lyrics definitely need to be in line with Catholic teaching. Let us remember that the Pope is infallible and we should adhere to what he says.

Also, as I was reading the other comments, I couldn't help feeling sad and hurt by some of the critical remarks made toward certain priests and bishops. They are ordained men of God and should be treated as such. If someone has a problem with the actions of certain clergy, or anyone for that matter, we need to ask the Holy Spirit to guide us to be compassionate towards the person(s) and pray that we will all do and say the right thing, according to God's Plan and His Holy Will. (What would Jesus Do?)

Published by: Andrea
USA 11/08/2006 12:36 AM EST

I am a liturgical musician, and I use a combination of new and older songs in the Masses I do. My priest is prejudiced against Latin, and we have to plead for the one Agnus Dei we get to do each year. Our music, though, ranges from the middle ages to last year, and we use the instruments appropriate to the song. It is not strange for us to use guitar with keyboard for one or two songs and organ for one (or both) of the processions. The congregation truly sings them all, and I would hate to have them lose the new songs that mean so much to many of them.

Published by: Siobhan
Montana 11/07/2006 10:02 PM EST

I am involved in Church music, and have also observed the polarization and judgemental positions that people within the Catholic church can take against each other. Personally, some of my earliest childhood memories of Mass were the "new" songs of the early 70's. I am fond of these and they have led me closer to God. On the other hand, there is certainly music being used that focuses on people rather than God. I think those types of songs really don't have a place at Mass. I majored in music in college, so that really helps me appreciate the Classical sacred works of beauty in our church. I'd be glad to see somebody get them back out and give the congregation a chance to use them too.
Cleansing must be kind and done with love. I'm glad we have the Pope we do right now.

Published by: gwen mijol
sabah, malaysia 11/07/2006 08:18 PM EST

Its time for a revival of sacredness, angelical & heavenly music back to the Catholic church. God bless our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI for his great discernment on this.

Published by: Gloria
Brea, CA, USA 11/07/2006 06:39 PM EST

God Bless Our Dear Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. I long for the sacred to be restored to our Holy Mother Church. The sacred music, the liturgy: mass, reverence for Almighty God present in the tabernacle. When we go inside a catholic church, God is present. Angels are present in the worship of God with us. It's long overdue. Bring it on!!

Published by: John Healy
Washington, DC 11/07/2006 06:32 PM EST

It is truly ironic that the Pope wants to bring back Gregorian Chant and polyphonic music and then want to have Mozart's Coronation Mass used at a Mass at St. Peter's. Mozart's Coronation Mass is neither Gregorian nor polyphonic. It features drums (tympani) and trumpets. It is somewaht showy. It is not written in "sacred" music style if sacred music is supposed to be like Palestrina. When Mozart composed his music, his style became the popular style of his day - it was quite different than the "sacred" style of several hundred years prior to his time. So, in essence, the Pope contradicts himself.

I can understand using Gregorian chant occasionally and polyphonic music of the Renaissance occasionally. But Gregorian chant becomes pretty boring (after an hour). It is also quite hard to sing well for a congregation. Most modern people can not hear the polyphonic lines in Renaissance music. I do not think most people know what this sacred music even sounds like. By the way, "Holy, Holy, Holy", "Holy God We Praise Thy Name", and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" are not written in "sacred" style.

Published by: Lucia
Guam, USA 11/07/2006 04:19 PM EST

First of all, we should all pray for our Holy Father. I agree that we need to bring back "Sacred" music in our church. Going to church these days is more like attending a concert! We seem to have forgotten that the church is God's house not a concert hall. People show little or no respect in His House. I pray that our Holy Father not only bring back Sacred Music to God's house, but that he should enforce "modesty" clothing and the return of the veil or mantilla! Last but not least, we need to pray that our Holy Father look into movements who claim they are Catholic but conduct their group more like protestants. Biba Santo Papa Benedict!!! God bless you.

Published by: Eileen Mulligan
Englishtown/NJ/USA 11/07/2006 04:14 PM EST

I was blessed to attend a mass at St. Rita's in the South Bronx years ago where much of the music was from 'Glory and Praise' (some of which is now in OCP). All those in attendance were truly uplifted, including Mother Teresa.

Published by: Mike McCaffrey
Yarmouthport, MA 02675 11/07/2006 12:48 PM EST

To Kevin Fraser from BC:

Pray for me and don't kick me out of the church because of my musical tastes. Actually, I am staying whether you like it or not. Pray that you do better handling disagreement, being a Catholic means thinking a bit for yourself, you know. Does "BC" mean "before Christ?"

Published by: Chris Campbelll
North AMerican Union (formerly USA) 11/07/2006 12:36 PM EST

Hopefully he will do this, we shall see as often leaks are sent out without fruit on follow up

Published by: Little Flower
Minnesota 11/07/2006 11:54 AM EST

I pray that we all may be one, holy, catholic and apostolic church where there is no division, no us vs. them, no limits on who can enter the kingdom of heaven and no one proclaiming how one is greater than the other. May we all remember that our most important mission is not to nitpick over this or that, but we are to follow the example of Christ by taking up the basin and the towel in love to server one another.

Published by: Kevin Fraser
BC 11/07/2006 11:07 AM EST

Comments like Mike McCaffrey's really spotlights in high relief the nature of the error most of Catholicism has fallen into today. Textbook illustration. It's like an MRI scan, actually. Notice how Mike pits "we" against the Pope: a pretended moral authority presumed found in "our" numbers vs the vicar of Christ with "our" approval -- on average, of course -- as the contested prize.

Maybe Mike thinks "we" need to exercise democratic checks and balances to counter the undemocratic rule of an earthly monarch? Mike wouldn't be the first anti-papal Catholic. German barons gave this political movement the name 'Protestantism' -- to mean 'we will tolerate no Catholics within our borders' about 500 years ago. Please don't pull that trigger, Mike. You're aiming at "our" feet.

Mike's use of the word "pander" to describe upholding or defending from abuse the 2,000 year old Liturgical norms of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the highest form of Christian worship possible because it was given by Christ Himself, that have been so aggregiously abused in recent decades they have sadly acquired the force of custom in many 'democratic' quarters, drives home that
Perhaps Mike doesn't realize that the Latin 'motu proprio' means 'on one's own initiative.' The Pope in any time has the right, and the duty to protect the proper dignity of the only sacrament offered fo

Published by: Betty G. Armendarez
Owensboro, Ky. ,U. S. A. 11/07/2006 10:24 AM EST

I would love to see a change in our Church music. Our music needs to be more sacred.

Published by: Susan Crimi
Madison, N..J. USA 11/07/2006 10:22 AM EST

Thank you Holy Father for all you do,I will be praying for you and your decision of the Music, I am a part of our choir with our 11 members. We are trying our best to sing praises of songs not Protestant or other. God's peace be with you now and forever

Published by: Michael Yoder
Fullerton, CA USA 11/07/2006 09:50 AM EST

Bravo, Mr. DeLano! You are absolutely correct. Moreover, we never outgrow things such as the Index of Forbidden books or are we just smarter and more virtuous than those in the past?

Published by: Jerry
USA 11/07/2006 09:44 AM EST

I pray that the Pope will continue to cleanse the Church of Liberalism

Published by: Sean McDermott
Long Beach, CA 11/07/2006 09:42 AM EST

I think if something is done to restore the Traditional Mass that these other things will fall into place.

Pretty tough to say the Latin Mass with banjos a strummin' in the background.

Published by: Priscilla
Boston, MA 11/07/2006 09:09 AM EST

I hope something is done. I cannot attend Mass at my church because the music is more like an entertainment than worship. I go elsewhere.

Published by: steve strubing
houston texas 11/07/2006 09:03 AM EST

The Sacred Music needs to be exactly that, Sacred. There are too many Protestant Hymns that just do not have what it takes to be used in the Catholic Mass. If the Mass is returned to Latin than all Hymns will be song in Latin in the Old Mass.
Vatican II fruits have shown that the council was a big mistake! We have suffered 40 yrs of nothing but garbage in the church brought on by the Masons and the Red Hats that are enemies of Christ within the Church.
See the dairy of and anti cleric (AA1025).
A Communist who entered the church in America to destroy it from within!
The year 1943....
We need a smaller Roman Catholic Church with REAL Roman Catholics and the Cafeteria ones can go join the Church of England are one that allows them to feel justified in their sins!!
Too many bishops are disobedient to the Holy Father!!

Published by: Charles D Kowalski
Hernando, Florida 11/07/2006 08:59 AM EST

It is my hope that some changes will be forthcoming in liturgical music. I would like to see some of the mor traditional music return. If our young people are not exposed to it, it could be lost forever.

Published by: Lance Patrick Mashburn
Columbus GA USA 11/07/2006 08:41 AM EST

This is a much needed recovery of one of many of the lost elements of the Catholic Faith.

Pray for the Pope's success in giving back to the Church that which has been put aside throughout the last generation.

Some of the songs we sing really do sound like bad TV theme songs and from the 60's and 70's. I believe the faithful deserve music with a sense of the sacred to inspire them to religious vocations.

Published by: Ambrosianus
Italy 11/07/2006 03:22 AM EST

Frankly, I don't see any reason for concern in a possible Papal Document to restore the honor of the sacred chant to its proper place (that same place the last Council granted it, at least theoretically).
I don't think the Holy Father is going to prohibit any kind of church music -even if I wish he did, first of all the neo-pagan and rock sorts of it.
As a final remark, I'd like to suggest those who don't even know the proper spelling of "Index Librorum Prohibitorum" to refrain from citing it inappropriately.

Published by: Jason Mosher
Albuquerque, NM USA 11/07/2006 02:22 AM EST

If it were true that we had outgrown the need for an "index" then we would not be subject to the undue amount of liturgical abuses including abject disregard for the documents concerning proper liturgical music.

Such an instruction would be a breath of fresh air.

Published by: Ann
Huntington Beach, CA USA 11/07/2006 12:16 AM EST

I hope and pray that I will not be like Moses and only view the promised land of restored sacred music to the liturgy, rather than live to see it implemented. We have had enough of OCP, the St. Louis Jesuits, Haugen, Haas, Joncas, et al, and their "Broadway show tune models" for music used in the Mass. And enough of the piano, drums, guitars, etc. etc. Time to bring back the great organs. Pianists take note: kick it up a notch and take organ lessons from a reputable, liturgically savvy organ teacher! God bless the Holy Father-we're long overdue!

Published by: PMcGrath
Stony Point NY USA 11/06/2006 10:07 PM EST

Actually, an index of forbidden "songs" is sorely needed. Just take the Oregon Catholic Press catalogue, copy and paste, and ka-ching! Liturgical reform!

Published by: HMacK
Brunei 11/06/2006 07:17 PM EST

As a one-time liturgical musician myself, the state of "Catholic" liturgical music at present is lamentably paganised and banalised. From "Kumbaya" to "You and I are the bread of life" with an admix of rock-and-roll "Kyrie", the corpus is a rotten one and shamefully embarrassing.

The disconcerting word in the report is "may". We have had one rumour after another about various proposed "reforms". This sounds like yet another which will serve to fuel modernist hatred and phobias against the possibility of traditional music being promoted and propagated once more. Palestrina, Victoria, Gregorian Chant, the great sacred classical compositions for church use and so on. What an appalling era in the history of the church that so-called Catholics tolerate such mass-produced garbage in the light of the so-called post-conciliar "enlightenment". On the contrary, it is a direct result of those disabling councils.

Published by: Doug Nesmith
Jacksonville, Fl 11/06/2006 05:40 PM EST

On the contrary, it's high time we dumped the Protestant banjo hand thumping pieces and went back to what music during the liturgy was supposed to be for. The Southern Baptist Charismatic hand waving garbage should have been dumped long ago. If he get's rid of the banjos, bongos and hippie crap and brings back good ol chant and truely catholic music, we'll be on the road to recovery.

Published by: A. Nolan
Ft. Wayne, In........USA 11/06/2006 05:03 PM EST

These different articles on what our holy Father is doing are sort of interesting. AA

Published by: Mike McCaffrey
Yarmouthport, MA 02675 11/06/2006 04:24 PM EST

The word "reform" frightens a bit here. I hope the Holy Father will find ways to promote music in the liturgy and possibly to make a sttement about Vatican priorities, but I hope we will not be constructing a list of forbidden pieces and instruments. We have outgrown the age of the index librarum prohibitarum and we should not pander to those who may feel otherwise.

Published by: Rick DeLano
Redondo Beach CA USA 11/06/2006 03:46 PM EST

What with all the rumored motu proprios waiting in the wings, I have a feeling this Pope is about to disappoint some significant numbers of Catholics in any case.

I pray that the ones disappointed will be the architects of the miserable collapse of the Church over these past awful 40 years- like, for example, the French bishops, whose gross incompetence is matched only by their hypocrisy:

To them, "ecumenism" means "we accept all faiths.......except the Traditional Catholic faith."

May God grant Pope Benedict courage and may the Pope cleanse the Church, while there is still time.

ADD A COMMENT (Your e-mail will NOT be published):


NAME:
CITY/STATE/COUNTRY:
EMAIL:
COMMENT:

PLEASE ENTER THE SECURITY CODE DISPLAYED ABOVE:
Chars:

* Thanks for your comments. The number of messages that can be online is limited. Length should not exceed 1500 characters. CNA reserves the right to edit messages for content and tone. Comments and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of CNA. CNA will not publish comments with abusive language, insults or links to other pages.

ADVERTISING
CNA does not necessarily endorse these advertisers. Please proceed with discretion. If you feel that a website announced has inappropriate or offensive content, please send it by e-mail to catholicna@catholicna.com