Therefore,
we, too, extol you with all the Angels,
as
in joyful celebration we acclaim: Holy, holy,
holy....
Choir
of Angels ~ Hans Memling (c. 1433-1494,
Netherlands)
“Liturgical action is
given a more noble form when sacred rites are solemnized in song,
with the assistance of sacred ministers and the active participation of the
people.... Choirs must be diligently promoted, but bishops and other pastors
must ensure that, whenever the sacred action is to be celebrated with song, the
whole body of the faithful may be able to contribute that active participation
which is rightfully theirs.... Gregorian chant, other things being equal, should
be given pride of place in liturgical services. But other kinds of sacred music,
especially polyphony, are by no means excluded.... Religious singing by the people is
to be skillfully fostered, so that in devotions and sacred exercises, as also
during liturgical services, the voices of the faithful may ring out” (Constitution on the
Liturgy,
112-118)
St
Cecilia
Martyr
~ Rome
Approx
90-117 AD
Patron
of Musicians, Sacred Music
Incorruptible
Feast
Day – Nov 22
St
Cecilia ~ Guido Reni
"Words cannot express the
things
that are sung by the heart ... And if so happy that words
can no longer express what they feel,
that are sung by the heart ... And if so happy that words
can no longer express what they feel,
people
discard the restricting syllables.
They burst out into a simple sound of joy, of jubilation.'"
Well said, St Augustine!
A Village Choir ~ Thomas George Webster
(1847)
Sing praises to the LORD, O you His saints,
and
give thanks to His holy Name. ~ Psalm 30:4
St Cecilia,
pray for us!
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