Voices: singing out, ringing out...

   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

"Words cannot express the things
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
______________________

Click here: St. Cecilia - YouTube (2 mins)

Audio Book:  The life and martyrdom of St Cecilia

https://youtu.be/x2rymmaAvV8

St Cecilia, pray for us!