"Singing is praying twice" - so said the great Saint Augustine. Viewed in the light of true active participation in the Mass, singing finds its meaning. It is here where one lifts heart and mind to God. Besides the contemplative side of the Mass, it necessary to participate in the active sense, ie, responses and prayer. In the lecture “Liturgy and Church Music” given by our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI speaks of the bond between singing and participation in the Mass:
“Mere words do not suffice when man praises God. Discourse with God goes beyond the boundaries of human speech. Hence by its very nature the liturgy has everywhere called upon the help of music, of singing, and of the voices of creation in the sounds of instruments. The praise of God, after all, does not involve only man. To worship God means to join in that of which all creatures speak.”1
In singing the hymns, one must not look at them as a set of lyrics put to a tune. That is pop music and other secular music is concerned with. Sacred music is holy music; and holy means “to be set apart.” Within the sacred music and hymns, there are lines of prayer (the verses). These verses make up the prayer which is given breathe and beautiful through the melody. By singing to the best of our abilities (no matter how un-professional it may sound, one is able to lift the use of language and truth back to God as a holy offering, just as incense symbolizes the lifting up of our prayers to God. It is also here in hymn where we can meditate on its prayer while still actively expressing it. Thus, singing during the Mass is important in order to fully participate in offering worship to God. Since all men have the ability to participate in the Mass and the ability to worship God, everyone has the ability to pray. And, according to one of the most illustrious saints of the Church, ie, St. Augustine, singing is praying this prayer of the Mass twice.
-Richard Kochel
2 comments:
Hello Richard, congratulations on this site!
Singing is praying twice. So true. I salute and applaud you for your traditional Church music selections, which we hear at Mass on the Week-ends. I so enjoy singing, and listening to the choir, as they uplift.
I came from a fairly prosperous Parish to St. Mary's, after years and years, where the Director of Liturgy chooses to sing the Post-Vatican II hymns, which, to me and my worship experience, almost takes all of the Majesty, Awe, Wonder and Sacredness out of the Service. I've mentioned to her that such terms as "Gathering" hymn, is not very uplifting (it sounds like an informal meeting), and also replacing the "Celebrant" with simply, a "Presider." (sounds like just presiding at some board meeting). How fortunate we are at St. Mary's to have such wonderful, committed and traditional clergy and staff!
The traditonal Hymns such as "Faith of Our Fathers," "Holy God, We Praise Thy Name," and "O Sacrament Most Holy", for example, are not only uplifting, but engender the sacredness of such an awesome Mystery as the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Such an awe-inspiring event befits such sacred Hymns, as listed above. I again applaud Father David for his leadership and shepherding his flock at St. Mary's, and all the staff, and appreciate you for keeping the tradition and sacredness in the Liturgical Music at Mass.
God Bless, and keep up the really good work! Thanks also for helping us St. Mary's parishioners to keep in cyber-contact.
Lastly, the photo of The Virgin Mary on the homepage, is just wonderful to behold.
Ohhh,Richard~I like your blog! :)
The picture you chose of Our Lady is beautiful...where did you find it?
I'm so happy to know that you're as devoted to the promotion of Traditional Music as I am...it really does make a difference in the Mass when the Hymns are in either Latin , Gregorian Chant or just a traditional style.
I know of several beautiful hymns that you may want to consider...they are in honor of Our Blessed Mother and they are very traditional sounding. These would be nice to hear during this month of May...as it is the Month of Mary. Whenever I get the chance, I play them on the piano.
"O Sanctissima," Hail Holy Queen Enthroned Above," "Salve Regina,"
Holy Queen, We Come Before Thee,"
"Hail Queen Of Heaven The Ocean Star," are among the selections of Marian Hymns that are both Traditional and spiritually uplifting. Maybe you could use some of these! :)
God Bless you and keep up the great work you're doing! :)
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