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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