Benedict XVI on Sacred Music

There's little that a Pope can do, except preach and teach; so what you'll read here is repetitive (if you've paid attention to Church documents.)

Of course, the Liturgeists don't read Church documents with any interest (if at all.) "None so blind as they who will not see" and all that...

This news report comes from the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music, which B-16 visited.

In his brief address Benedict XVI highlighted the fact that sacred music, as Vatican Council II had made clear, "is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as sacred song united to the words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy." [Direct from VatII's Document on Liturgy]

John Paul II, said Pope Benedict, "observed that today, as always, three characteristics distinguish sacred music: its 'sanctity,' its 'true art,' and its 'universality,' in other words the fact that it can be presented to any people or assembly. [Some folks need education on the first two of these criteria.]

"Precisely for this reason," he added, "the ecclesial authorities must undertake to guide ... the development of such an important form of music, not by 'freezing' its heritage but by seeking to combine the legacy of the past with the worthwhile novelties of the present, so as to achieve a synthesis worthy of the exalted mission [sacred music] has in the service of God.

[The word "novelty" may be a mis-translation. Generally, 'novelties' are anathema in Rome-speak.]

"I am certain, "Benedict XVI concluded, "that the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music, in harmony with Congregation for Divine Worship, will not fail to contribute to an 'aggiornamento' ... of the precious traditions of which sacred music is so rich."

He calls for a new/cooperative relationship between PIMS and CDW. That should be interesting.

HT: Chironomo