90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PONTIFICAL INSTITUTE OF SACRED MUSIC

VATICAN CITY, JAN 19, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father this morning received in audience 200 professors and students from the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music, in honor of the 90th anniversary of its founding by Pope Saint Pius X, together with a delegation from Catalonia.

John Paul II was personally greeted by five individuals from Poland, Switzerland, Lebanon, Italy, and Spain, each of whom yesterday received an "honoris causa" degree for their achievements in the field of sacred music.

In his address, the Pope recalled the affirmation of Vatican Council II that sacred music is "a treasure of inestimable value, which excels among the other artistic expressions. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as a combination of sacred music and words, it forms a necessary and integral part of the solemn liturgy."

"The criterion which must inspire all composition and performance of songs and sacred music," the Holy Father continued, "is that of a beauty which encourages prayer. When song and music reveal the presence and action of the Holy Spirit, they favor, in a certain way, communion with the Trinity."

In addressing the teachers and students of the Institute of Sacred Music, John Paul II affirmed: "Each of you is called to rigorous academic study, united with constant attention to the liturgy and to pastoral care. You, teachers and students, are asked to make the most of your artistic gifts, conserving and promoting the study and the practice of music and song in those areas and with those instruments which Vatican Council II has especially noted: Gregorian chant, sacred polyphony, and the organ. Only thus," the Pope concluded, "can liturgical music worthily perform its role in the celebration of the Sacraments, and, in a special way, of the Holy Mass."

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