February 25, 2007

My dear friends,

 We are blessed at Corpus Christi Cathedral to have so many people offering their musical talent as members in the various choirs.  The Second Vatican Council states that “the musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value.” (Sacrosanctum concilium, 112)  With this understanding, the council fathers stressed that “the treasury of sacred music is to be preserved and cultivated with great care [and that] choirs must be assiduously developed, especially in cathedral churches.” (SC,114)

 Our choirs continue to heed this teaching of Vatican II.  With the reform of the liturgy came a wonderful pastoral flexibility.  Holy Mother Church always takes great care to stress balance. In this regard, let us recall that the different parts of the Mass “if they are sung by musical settings, written for several voices, may be performed by the choir.” (Musicam Sacram, 34).  The musical treasure of our faith is vast and it is important that we learn of these traditions.

 Therefore, during the season of Lent, our choirs will be offering choral settings of the Kyrie Eleison and the Agnus Dei.  God willing, this will be an opportunity for us to meditate on the beautiful words of these Mass parts, so that by listening, we may raise our minds and hearts to God and enter more deeply into the sacred mysteries.

 With every best wish, I remain