Posted on 11/06/2006 1:41:11 PM PST by NYer
Vatican City, Nov. 06, 2006 (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.
It just gets better and better. Viva Il Papa!! Cent' Anni!
Oh, thank goodness. If I had to sit through another version of "Our God is an Awesome God," arranged for gutiar and bongos, I'd go mad. Hippie music doesnot belong in Mass.
It just gets better...
What? The blather and drivel?
This is the honest truth: Hubby and I went to Mass in a MAGNIFICENTLY restored turn-of-the-century Gothic-style church in southern MN a few years ago. The "music ministry" (so help me, I couldn't make this stuff up) consisted of six assorted guitars and a set of electronic bongos.
"Vatican watchers" should give up their hobby and take paying jobs as internal pollsters for the Democrats.
After all, they have a perfect .000 batting average on their predictions.
I'm beginning to think that as well. What happened to the source's information about the Holy Father restoring Latin two weeks ago?
BTTT
Dear ArrogantBustard,
Gee, whatever could be producing such an attitude of skepticism??
For myself, whatever the Vatican "insiders" say is about to happen, I bet the opposite in Vegas. Really fattening up my retirement account. ;-)
sitetest
I'm reluctant to comment further on the topic, lest our esteemed RM come down on me for use of "potty language" or references thereto.
As a Catholic, I can not STAND IT when songs are being sung during the reception of the Holy Eucharist. How many times have I said in prayer "Lord, I'm sorry, I'm having trouble concentrating because of the music".
I love Gregorian Chant and would find it acceptable at this time, but very quietly.
Mariachi Mass. Yes, mariachi music during Mass. I was told that it is a recent, as in 1960's, alternative to "white eurocentric" church music.
We have seen some action. The French bishops are out with their fire extinguishers. They have as much as assured us (today in Zenit) that there is nothing to worry about and that there will be no changes. Not the kind of action we had in mind, alas, but I think that's all we'll see, and there will be no changes in anything.
I'm with you. We get all these "sources" predicting all these changes....that never come about.
The new Pope may just follow through on this one. He is privately a great music lover, in particular of Mozart. He adores music, plays the piano, is always singing along with hymns, and I believe really wants to make some changes in this area. We'll see what happens.
Takes time to turn a ship around. Unlike the "SOVII" zealots, the pope will make piecemeal reforms.
Plus his brother is a musician.
:-)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.