Posted on 07/24/2005 12:14:02 PM PDT by NYer
Working Paper Suggests Return to More Prayerful Hymns
VATICAN CITY, JULY 22, 2005 (Zenit.org).- The working paper of the next Synod of Bishops suggests that "songs used at present" in the liturgy should "be reconsidered."
The proposal appears in No. 60 of the working document for the assembly of bishops from all over the world, which will be held Oct. 2-23 in Rome, on the theme "The Eucharist: Source and Summit of the Life and Mission of the Church."
Based on responses from dioceses, religious and the laity to a questionnaire, the text acknowledges in No. 61 that "to enter into sacred or religious usage, instrumental or vocal music is to have a sense of prayer, dignity and beauty."
In the liturgy, music must have "integrity of form, expressing true artistry, corresponding to the various rites and capable of adaptation to the legitimate demands of inculturation, … without detracting from the idea of universality," the document states.
The working paper, published July 7, outlines the topics that the bishops will discuss during the assembly.
In connection with the question of liturgical singing, the paper states that "musicians and poets should be encouraged to compose new hymns, according to liturgical standards, which contain authentic catechetical teaching on the paschal mystery, Sunday and the Eucharist."
Gregorian chant
In particular, the document suggests the rediscovery of Gregorian chant, as it "fulfills these needs" and, therefore, can "serve as a model," quoting Pope John Paul II.
In No. 61, the text states that in the responses to the questionnaire with which they concluded the synod's first preparatory text, "some lamented the poor quality of translations of liturgical texts and many musical texts in current languages, maintaining that they lacked beauty and were sometimes theologically unclear, thereby contributing to a weakening of Church teaching and to a misunderstanding of prayer."
The paper refers in particular to youth Masses, stressing the need "to avoid musical forms which, because of their profane use, are not conducive to prayer."
"Some responses," it adds, "note a certain eagerness in composing new songs, to the point of almost yielding to a consumer mentality, showing little concern for the quality of the music and text, and easily overlooking the artistic patrimony which has been theologically and musically effective in the Church's liturgy."
Good news bump!
Good news indeed! Let's hope for the best on this one...
Almost?
Good news for SURE! I detest those guitars and drums! It's like the Church feels that the kids need to be ENTERTAINED! I never have liked the Youth Masses....why can't they just go to Mass with the rest of us?
.....On Eagles' Wings is one of my favs!! Prayer of St. Francis is also.
Youth masses got me to go to church as a teen when I wouldn't have ordinarily. If I hadn't, I probably wouldn't be churchgoing now.
I do like families together, but if you are like me, and only have one parent going, it's a good way to get more support for your faith.
I'm glad for you....I still don't like their music...:)
I love Eagle's Wings too! Guess my taste in music stinks, huh?
Oh goodness, I don't think I could take the music now!
LOL!
**"songs used at present" in the liturgy should "be reconsidered."**
Something to follow and see what the American Bishops do.
Yes, this is hopeful but then the Vatican II documents say Latin should have "pride of place." So...I won't hold my breath. One of the worst texts in my opinion is Sing a New Church Into Being, but some of the guitar lounge music that has come into the Church is pretty bad. The music itself is ok, but not during Mass. Mass is suppose to be other worldly not make you think about Saturday night karaoke at the local watering hole.
I would give anything to not have to listen to "Gather Us In" ever, ever again!!!!!
"I love Eagle's Wings too!"
So do I and that does not mean our taste in music stinks.
Some of us have been forced to sing Gregorian chants, even though the mass is not listed as "Latin", would love to sing other music!
". . . gather us in, the pancakes and bacon,
Gather us in, the eggs and the ham.
Make us to be a well-balanced breakfast,
Nourished with orange juice poured from a can . . . "
Barf-O-Rama, as my kids say . . .
There's a classical music revival of sorts in our Archdiocese:
Which Gregorian chants?
Ha ha ha!!! That is exactly what it sounds like! :)
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