When I posted last week about the Sacred Music Colloquium, I was planning on doing a lot of smiling and nodding, not really knowing anyone there, but knowing that we’re all basking in the radiance of the true spirit of Vatican II. Remember, “principum locum.”

From Sacrosanctum Concilium:

36. 1. Particular law remaining in force, the use of the Latin language is to be preserved in the Latin rites.
2. But since the use of the mother tongue, whether in the Mass, the administration of the sacraments, or other parts of the liturgy, frequently may be of great advantage to the people, the limits of its employment may be extended. This will apply in the first place to the readings and directives, and to some of the prayers and chants, according to the regulations on this matter to be laid down separately in subsequent chapters.
3. These norms being observed, it is for the competent territorial ecclesiastical authority mentioned in Art. 22, 2, to decide whether, and to what extent, the vernacular language is to be used; their decrees are to be approved, that is, confirmed, by the Apostolic See. And, whenever it seems to be called for, this authority is to consult with bishops of neighboring regions which have the same language.
4. Translations from the Latin text into the mother tongue intended for use in the liturgy must be approved by the competent territorial ecclesiastical authority mentioned above.

 Note that this document of Vatican II, dealing with the liturgy, verified by myriads of bishops and cardinals, let alone the pope, uses the phrases, “some of the prayers and chants” and “whether, an to what extent.” This is not the Vatican saying, “We need people music.” No, it is saying that we must open up the gift of sacred music in the mother tongue, Latin, to everyone. We weren’t supposed to dive into folk songs and guitars, but rather, educate ourselves and others about what the chant really means.

And this is why I was so excited to go to the Colloquium – it’s a group of 250 musicians who have the right idea.

However, I’m even more excited now because two of our dearest contributors to this blog are joining me in this quest to rediscover the Novus Ordo, done right. Aside from a handful of priests whom we all know and love, I think we can all agree that the Mass we have no in many churches is not what was envisioned by the Council. Choir Loft and Sr. Emily will be joining me for the trip, from June 21 through June 27. Oh, we’re a rowdy bunch. Watch out Pittsburgh – here comes trouble.

Tags: Colloquia 2010 and 2011, Latin Mass, Liturgy, Music Sacred Catholic Liturgical and Chant, News and Media, Orthodoxy at Work

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