In giving priority to Gregorian
chant and to classical liturgical music, the Catholic Church is not
trying to limit anyone's creativity but is showcasing a tradition of
beautiful prayer, Pope Benedict XVI wrote.
Music at Mass should reflect the fact that the liturgy "is primarily the
action of God through the church, which has its history, its rich
tradition and its creativity," the pope said in a letter marking the
100th anniversary of the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music.
In the letter, released by the Vatican May 31, the pope wrote that
sometimes people have presented Gregorian chant and traditional church
music as expressions "to be overcome or disregarded because they limited
the freedom and creativity of the individual or community."
But, he said, when people recognize that the liturgy does not belong to
an individual or parish as much as it belongs to the church, then they
begin to understand how, while some expressions of local culture are
appropriate, priority should be given to expressions of the church's
universal culture.
He said music used at Mass must convey a "sense of prayer, dignity and
beauty," should help the faithful enter into prayer -- including through
use of music that reflects their culture -- and should keep alive the
tradition of Gregorian chant and polyphony.