MUSIC MUST BE APPROPRIATE FOR LITURGICAL CELEBRATION

VATICAN CITY, DEC 4, 2003 (VIS) - Yesterday afternoon, a chirography by the Holy Father for the centenary of the motu proprio 'Tra le sollecitudini,' promulgated by St. Pius X and which considered sacred music in religious functions, was made public. A chirograph is a papal document which bears the signature of the Pope and which provides instructions on an administrative order.

In the message, dated November 22, the feast day of St. Cecilia, patron of music, the Pope emphasizes that 'music used for sacred rites must have sanctity as its point of reference' and he underscored that 'not all musical forms are appropriate for liturgical celebrations.'

Referring to liturgical music, John Paul II affirms that it 'must respond to the legitimate requirements of adaptation and inculturation. It is clear, however, that every innovation in this delicate material must respect specific criteria, like the search for musical expressions that respond to the necessary involvement of the entire assembly in the celebration and that avoid, at the same time, any concession to frivolity and superficiality.'

'The sacred environment of liturgical celebration must never become a laboratory for experimentation or trial compositions and performances, introduced without careful consideration,' he affirms.

The Holy Father indicates that 'among the musical expressions that properly respond to the qualities required by the notion of sacred music, especially within liturgical music, Gregorian chant occupies an important place. The Vatican Council II recognizes it as 'music of the Roman liturgy,' which should be preserved in the first place for liturgical ceremonies with hymns that are celebrated in Latin. ' Gregorian chant, therefore, continues today to be an element of unity in Roman liturgy.'

The Pope also encourages church choirs be promoted as they have a 'role as guide and accompaniment of the assembly, and in certain moments, they have a very specific role in the liturgy. ' Therefore, the musical aspect of liturgical celebrations, cannot be left to improvisation, or to the judgement of individual persons, but it must be entrusted to thoughtful direction in accordance with norms and regulations, as meaningful fruit of an appropriate liturgical formation.'

'Since the Church has always recognized and promoted progress in the Arts, it should not surprise anyone that, beyond Gregorian chant and choir music, modern music has been allowed in liturgical celebrations, as long as it is respectful of the liturgical spirit and the authentic values of art.'

John Paul II asks the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments 'to pay closer attention to the sector of sacred liturgical music. ' It is important that musical compositions used in liturgical celebrations respond to the criteria opportunely pronounced by St. Pius X and prudently developed by the Vatican Council II and the Magisterium of the Church.' In this way, the Pope urges the episcopal conferences to examine the texts of liturgical hymns and to 'pay close attention in evaluating and promoting songs that are truly appropriate for sacred use.'

At the end of the message, the Holy Father recalls that the motu proprio addresses the topic of musical instruments used in Latin liturgy. 'It is necessary,' he concludes, 'to be careful that the instruments are appropriate for sacred use, for the dignity of a church, and that they are able to accompany singing by the faithful and edify it.'

MESS;SACRED MUSIC;...;PIUS X ;VIS;20031204;Word: 570;