We have a small semi-rural Oregon parish. Our pastor is one of two in our regional area who does the Latin Mass weekly at 30 mikes away at another parish, but it has always been at 3:30 on Sunday. That tends to reduce the attendance, especially in the winter. But our local parish is still deep in the tyranny of outrageously expensive and copyrighted OCP/GIA missals. Those choir teams apparently get their marching orders from the “helpful” OCP/GIA marketing department. They saw fit to use a modern music version of O Come Emmanuel at Advent and it ruined my four weeks. And this is the diocese with Archbishop Sample who wrote brilliant letters regarding use of sacred music at his former diocese. The new bishop of Marquette took those letters and helped the diocese formulate its own reverent hymnal over five years. But no, here in Portland diocese the All Are Welcome tyranny continues apace even years later.
You might enjoy this expose about the Hymnal Industrial Complex.
I think that I understand exactly what you experience. Welcome to Spain where there is either no music whatsoever. Or the priest dominates the Mass from the moment he leaves the sacristy, " singing " ( often changing the key 2-3 times when he "sings" ) throughout the Mass. Utterly banal songs. No texts which makes it impossible for anyone except the local Spanish to follow. Ordinary weekdays or Christmas, it doesn't matter. The same banal songs. They seem to praise mediocrity.
Umm, a priest is only supposed to say the precise words of the printed liturgy! No songs allowed except in prescribed parts for choir. Maybe less oversight in Europe? We have USCCB to think they control bishops. . .
Thank you for this great interview with Cdl Sarah. Just like Pope Benedict he understands that liturgical music is of utmost importance to the liturgy. Not a compliment but an integral part of the liturgy. I remember when a professor ( in Rome) in liturgical music told me a few years ago that the priest candidates in the seminars don't receive one single hour's lecture on liturgical music. So when these priests come to the parishes they are dependent on the small group of ladies ( usually) that you see in all the parishes. Who themselves know just about as much as the priest. In countries like Spain, in modern churches there is usually no organ in the churches. Not even a piano. " Where is the choir? Where is the organ?" is a common reaction among Protestant friends visiting Catholic churches in Spain. Its difficult trying to explain to them that there doesn't exist any choir tradition. That there is no cantor/ organist to form and lead a choir. A few times a year some elderly ladies sing flamenco songs accompanied by guitars and drums. While I love the flamenco tradition, it is quite painful to listen to it during the Mass. Latin is non existing in Spanish parishes. So where does one even begin trying to introduce reverent and beautiful liturgical music? To me it seems obvious that in order to achieve a major improvement in liturgical music there should be a thorough overview of the seminars. Introducing liturgical music on the schedule throughout the formation. Experts in liturgical music should be invited to teach. Priests should be reminded that banal pop songs have no place in the liturgy. That not all songs can be considered as good and suitable for Mass. Bishops must take a leading role in encoraging their priests in this endeavour. Priests should not be fixated on a wrong perception of participation and leave aside the temptation to sing along themselves throughout the Mass. Showing humility instead. Encouraging eventual parishioners who are trained singers or musicians and are happy to contribute. Instead of uplifting mediocrity. It's all very well with the wonderful flower arrangements, handing out book for free, organising bus excursions etc. Sadly, beautiful and reverent liturgical music continue to be regarded as an unnecessary luxury. ( even though the singers and musicians offer their service for free.) Above all the seminars must teach that liturgical music is not superfluous. That priests cannot change or introduce anything whatsoever according to their personal taste. That they should have the humility to ask for advice from knowledgeable and experienced people. There is no doubt in my mind that Pope Benedict was right when he said that poor liturgy and poor liturgical music was one of the main reasons that so many people have lost their faith. There are many examples of atheists who came to believe in God after having listened to beautiful Gregorian Chant or other kinds of beautiful music in the church.
Thank God for Cardinal Sarah who is open to truth and beauty.
Cardinal Sarah reminds us of the deep connection between liturgy, prayer and music: another example of the power of the Trinity. The grandeur and beauty of music in Latin is undeniable and not even related to the tepid sing-along hymns in English we are subjected to now. The beauty and mystery of the Traditional Mass is what caused me to covert from Methodism to Catholicism 30 some years ago. Part of the allure was the music, which was important to me as a professional singer. I have sadly noted the decline in the music at Mass for years. The jury is still out on what Pope Leo will do about the tradgedy of priests who want to ban the Latin Mass in their parishes and dioceses. One can only pray that he will take his cue from Cardinal Sarah, who by the way would have made a terrific Pope.
I agree! I great reminder and admonition especially on the liturgical celebration of Epiphany. We bring our gifts to God, the gifts HE gave in giving back, with increase, the very breath which gave us life!
We have a small semi-rural Oregon parish. Our pastor is one of two in our regional area who does the Latin Mass weekly at 30 mikes away at another parish, but it has always been at 3:30 on Sunday. That tends to reduce the attendance, especially in the winter. But our local parish is still deep in the tyranny of outrageously expensive and copyrighted OCP/GIA missals. Those choir teams apparently get their marching orders from the “helpful” OCP/GIA marketing department. They saw fit to use a modern music version of O Come Emmanuel at Advent and it ruined my four weeks. And this is the diocese with Archbishop Sample who wrote brilliant letters regarding use of sacred music at his former diocese. The new bishop of Marquette took those letters and helped the diocese formulate its own reverent hymnal over five years. But no, here in Portland diocese the All Are Welcome tyranny continues apace even years later.
You might enjoy this expose about the Hymnal Industrial Complex.
https://www.lepantoin.org/wp/the-hymnal-industrial-complex/
I think that I understand exactly what you experience. Welcome to Spain where there is either no music whatsoever. Or the priest dominates the Mass from the moment he leaves the sacristy, " singing " ( often changing the key 2-3 times when he "sings" ) throughout the Mass. Utterly banal songs. No texts which makes it impossible for anyone except the local Spanish to follow. Ordinary weekdays or Christmas, it doesn't matter. The same banal songs. They seem to praise mediocrity.
Umm, a priest is only supposed to say the precise words of the printed liturgy! No songs allowed except in prescribed parts for choir. Maybe less oversight in Europe? We have USCCB to think they control bishops. . .
Thank you for this great interview with Cdl Sarah. Just like Pope Benedict he understands that liturgical music is of utmost importance to the liturgy. Not a compliment but an integral part of the liturgy. I remember when a professor ( in Rome) in liturgical music told me a few years ago that the priest candidates in the seminars don't receive one single hour's lecture on liturgical music. So when these priests come to the parishes they are dependent on the small group of ladies ( usually) that you see in all the parishes. Who themselves know just about as much as the priest. In countries like Spain, in modern churches there is usually no organ in the churches. Not even a piano. " Where is the choir? Where is the organ?" is a common reaction among Protestant friends visiting Catholic churches in Spain. Its difficult trying to explain to them that there doesn't exist any choir tradition. That there is no cantor/ organist to form and lead a choir. A few times a year some elderly ladies sing flamenco songs accompanied by guitars and drums. While I love the flamenco tradition, it is quite painful to listen to it during the Mass. Latin is non existing in Spanish parishes. So where does one even begin trying to introduce reverent and beautiful liturgical music? To me it seems obvious that in order to achieve a major improvement in liturgical music there should be a thorough overview of the seminars. Introducing liturgical music on the schedule throughout the formation. Experts in liturgical music should be invited to teach. Priests should be reminded that banal pop songs have no place in the liturgy. That not all songs can be considered as good and suitable for Mass. Bishops must take a leading role in encoraging their priests in this endeavour. Priests should not be fixated on a wrong perception of participation and leave aside the temptation to sing along themselves throughout the Mass. Showing humility instead. Encouraging eventual parishioners who are trained singers or musicians and are happy to contribute. Instead of uplifting mediocrity. It's all very well with the wonderful flower arrangements, handing out book for free, organising bus excursions etc. Sadly, beautiful and reverent liturgical music continue to be regarded as an unnecessary luxury. ( even though the singers and musicians offer their service for free.) Above all the seminars must teach that liturgical music is not superfluous. That priests cannot change or introduce anything whatsoever according to their personal taste. That they should have the humility to ask for advice from knowledgeable and experienced people. There is no doubt in my mind that Pope Benedict was right when he said that poor liturgy and poor liturgical music was one of the main reasons that so many people have lost their faith. There are many examples of atheists who came to believe in God after having listened to beautiful Gregorian Chant or other kinds of beautiful music in the church.
Thank God for Cardinal Sarah who is open to truth and beauty.
He should have been our next Pope!
Cardinal Sarah reminds us of the deep connection between liturgy, prayer and music: another example of the power of the Trinity. The grandeur and beauty of music in Latin is undeniable and not even related to the tepid sing-along hymns in English we are subjected to now. The beauty and mystery of the Traditional Mass is what caused me to covert from Methodism to Catholicism 30 some years ago. Part of the allure was the music, which was important to me as a professional singer. I have sadly noted the decline in the music at Mass for years. The jury is still out on what Pope Leo will do about the tradgedy of priests who want to ban the Latin Mass in their parishes and dioceses. One can only pray that he will take his cue from Cardinal Sarah, who by the way would have made a terrific Pope.
Thank you, Edward, for a beautifully written piece! It brings comfort to this liturgical musician of many years!
Fr. Bruce may God Bless you on this your 29th anniversary of your ordination. Wishing you many blessings of joy and peace. 🎉🥳🙏❤️😊
I agree! I great reminder and admonition especially on the liturgical celebration of Epiphany. We bring our gifts to God, the gifts HE gave in giving back, with increase, the very breath which gave us life!