With Corpus Christi now upon us, we should remember the directive issued by the Vatican in the form of "Suggestions and Proposals for the Year of the Eucharist" by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments:

For Seminaries and Houses of Formation: "Inculcate in the seminarians an understanding of the usefulness of a certain fluency in the Latin language, and Gregorian Chant, so as to be able to pray and chant in Latin when the need arises, and so rooting themselves in the tradition of the Church at prayer."

For Shrines: "Encourage the participation of various groups in the same Eucharistic celebration of the Mass, properly articulated while being attentive to the diversity of languages, if it be the case. Here Gregorian Chant can be useful, at least taking into account the more simple melodies, above all during the Ordinary of the Mass, especially the Credo and the Lord’s Prayer."

For Parishes: "Should dedicate singular attention to liturgical song, taking into account the indications of John Paul II in his recent document on Sacred Music."

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Pope Benedict XVI struggles to move his piano (what kind?, the world wants to know) into his new apartment, according to Andante.

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New template link: non-stop sacred music from Avro Klassiek. (Thank you Sacred Misc.)

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Veni Creator Spiritus

The schola is off Sunday, but the chant is still on. Here is the music program for Pentecost.

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Tu Es Petrus

This is a very challenging work for us, the lesser known Tu Es Petrus by Palestrina, scored for SATTB. We hope to spend some weeks on it so that we can by comfortable with it before singing it at liturgy (but of course we are never fully comfortable with a piece before singing it at liturgy!)

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A new addition to Benedict XVI on Sacred Music: On Latin and Liturgy

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A blueprint for success in your parish

The St. Cecilia schola is committeed to the notion that every parish can be the home for chant and sacred music, but acknolwedges that practical obstacles to introducing chant and polyphony close to home are many:cultural, musical, pastoral, political and technical.

With enough drive and patience, however, musicians who care need only to do the necessary work and take the necessary steps. With attention to avoiding certain errors, these obstacles can be overcome. No situation is desperate or hopeless. Read more.

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Here is a wonderful letter from Benedict XVI (2002) on the contemplation of beauty, as reprinted by Zenit. An excerpt has been added to the compilation "Pope Benedict XVI on Sacred Music".

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