considerations for renewal litrugical music
Liturgy Part B – TH209
1.
Two important considerations for the renewal of liturgical music are as follows;
Firstly, The use of singing in the mass especially the singing of the Psalms, hymns and spiritual canticles for the Christian faithful is one of the Lords expectations and as the Apostle Paul says ‘ according to the Lord to sing is the sign of the heart’s joy and that those who sing pray twice over’.1 Great significance should therefore be placed on the renewal of the use of singing in the celebration of the Mass in particular celebrations that occur on Sundays and on Holy days of Obligation. 2 Special considerations must be given to the renewal of the music and songs so that they may relate to the multitudes of cultures and the abilities of the faithful in each liturgical assembly.
The second consideration for the renewal of liturgical music is, as St Pius X believes sacred music deserves special attention due to its position as an integral part of the solemn Liturgy. It proclaims the glory of God and participates in the sanctification and edification of the faithful, which in its simplest form the general purpose of the Liturgy, 3 Liturgical music therefore needs to be renewed and interpreted by the Church so as to not only explicitly express the deep meaning of the sacred text to which it is linked but also to be better disposed for the faithful to receive the ‘fruits of grace belonging to the celebration of the most holy mysteries.’4 And therefore continue to partake in the general purpose of the Liturgy.
2.
Latin is still of great importance and has an appropriate place in the Holy Mass due to its position in the traditions of the celebrations of the Mass such as the Gregorian chant and the ability it has to bring together the faithful through joyous song, however it is important that the Church takes into consideration that Latin is not spoken amongst the assembled liturgies across the world.
An important reason for the continued
1.
Two important considerations for the renewal of liturgical music are as follows;
Firstly, The use of singing in the mass especially the singing of the Psalms, hymns and spiritual canticles for the Christian faithful is one of the Lords expectations and as the Apostle Paul says ‘ according to the Lord to sing is the sign of the heart’s joy and that those who sing pray twice over’.1 Great significance should therefore be placed on the renewal of the use of singing in the celebration of the Mass in particular celebrations that occur on Sundays and on Holy days of Obligation. 2 Special considerations must be given to the renewal of the music and songs so that they may relate to the multitudes of cultures and the abilities of the faithful in each liturgical assembly.
The second consideration for the renewal of liturgical music is, as St Pius X believes sacred music deserves special attention due to its position as an integral part of the solemn Liturgy. It proclaims the glory of God and participates in the sanctification and edification of the faithful, which in its simplest form the general purpose of the Liturgy, 3 Liturgical music therefore needs to be renewed and interpreted by the Church so as to not only explicitly express the deep meaning of the sacred text to which it is linked but also to be better disposed for the faithful to receive the ‘fruits of grace belonging to the celebration of the most holy mysteries.’4 And therefore continue to partake in the general purpose of the Liturgy.
2.
Latin is still of great importance and has an appropriate place in the Holy Mass due to its position in the traditions of the celebrations of the Mass such as the Gregorian chant and the ability it has to bring together the faithful through joyous song, however it is important that the Church takes into consideration that Latin is not spoken amongst the assembled liturgies across the world.
An important reason for the continued
References: John Paul II, Pope. Chirograph of the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II for the Centenary of the Motu Proprio ‘Tra Le Sollecitudini’ on Sacred Music. 22 Nov, 2003. (Paragraph 1-15). http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/letters/2003/documetns/hf_jp-ii_let_20031203_musica-sacra_en.html (accessed 21 Sept 2014). Liturgy Office of the Bishops’ Conference, ‘The General Instruction of the Roman Missal’, in The Roman Missal (England & Wales: International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation). (Paragraph 40-393)