Why Latin?

Some folks may be asking why will we be singing Latin in Lent, i.e. "Sanctus" (Holy, Holy Holy, Lord...) and "Agnus Dei" (Lamb of God...). Why not?

In 1967, our U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops published a document: Music In Catholic Worship. In that document, our bishops called for musicians to search for and create music of quality for worship, especially new settings for the new liturgical texts. Musicians must also do the research needed to find the new uses for the best of the old music. They must explore the repertory of good music used in other communions. They must find practical means of preserving and using our rich heritage of Latin chants and motets. That's what our bishops called for in 1967! Latin has pride of place in our worship. It is the official language of our Roman Catholic Church. Remember, though, we are a Church of many colors, flavors, smells, sounds and languages. We have a diverse spirit in our Holy Spirit!

When we sing "Kyrie Eleison" (Lord have mercy) or "Hosannah" (praise God!) we're not singing Latin, rather we're singing Greek words! When we chant our "Alleluia," we're expressing the Hebrew word for "praise God!" Antonio Vivaldi, the great baroque composer and violinist, put it best when he said: Music is not revolution, music is evolution.'

Our singing in Latin, here and there, now and then, is not a revolution to the past. To evolve to our future is to remember our roots, recalling from where we came. We revisit! May our Lenten acclamations be life-giving. May our Mass always lift us from the mundane and deliver us to our God.

When everyone with one accord strives to make the Mass a prayer, a sharing and celebration of Faith, then there will be unity many styles of music, a broad choice of instruments, a wide variety of forms of celebration, but a single purpose: that men (and women) of faith may proclaim and share that faith and that Christ may grow among us.' (Concluding statement -- Music in Catholic Worship)

Tom Stefan
Former Director of Music Ministries
Holy Cross Church