Adoration and Music

[GerardSchlundt]

Is it permissible to play music (obviously, reverent and appropriate) during exposition of the Blessed Sacrament? Something like Barbers Adagio, or maybe recorded sacred music/chant.

This is not a typical behavior, simply a method attempting to keep voices from being audible from the confessional during a retreat/reflection when silent adoration is taking place.

 

[benedictgal]

Is it permissible to play music (obviously, reverent and appropriate) during exposition of the Blessed Sacrament? Something like Barbers Adagio, or maybe recorded sacred music/chant.

This is not a typical behavior, simply a method attempting to keep voices from being audible from the confessional during a retreat/reflection when silent adoration is taking place.

I would not recommend recorded music. Is it possible maybe to have the organ play a little? There are instances where singing is allowed. And, there are also instances where people can join in the recitation of the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Does the church you are at not have Confessionals? You can certainly use the sacristy, if need be.

 

[GerardSchlundt]

I would not recommend recorded music. Is it possible maybe to have the organ play a little? There are instances where singing is allowed. And, there are also instances where people can join in the recitation of the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Does the church you are at not have Confessionals? You can certainly use the sacristy, if need be.

We have enclosed confessionals – heavy drapes covering the doorways. Often though, there are enough people in line that they will bring in a temporary confessional which is open…obivously less than optimal there.

Typically there are ample times with prayer and singing – Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy are often prayed. But there are times of quiet contemplation – These are the times we are looking to further mask the voices. Because even though we have curtains and sound dampening – its still audible.

Its wonderful being in a parish where confessionals usually have a queue line…

I agree, recorded music is less than optimal as well – but getting an organist and/or choir would quite possibly be prohibitively difficult.

 

[benedictgal]

We have enclosed confessionals – heavy drapes covering the doorways. Often though, there are enough people in line that they will bring in a temporary confessional which is open…obivously less than optimal there.

Typically there are ample times with prayer and singing – Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy are often prayed. But there are times of quiet contemplation – These are the times we are looking to further mask the voices. Because even though we have curtains and sound dampening – its still audible.

Its wonderful being in a parish where confessionals usually have a queue line…

I agree, recorded music is less than optimal as well – but getting an organist and/or choir would quite possibly be prohibitively difficult.

How about teaching the faithful some traditional hymns, like Pangia Lingua and Adore Te Devote (there are English versions to these). Also, have the penitents stand a reasonable distance away from the Confessional. I have assisted in planning several of these “services” and have not had a problem with people hearing what the penitents are saying. They stand at a discreet distance and they are also too busy trying to sort out what they will say.

 

[baltobetsy]

How about a little white noise machine?

 

[m134e5]

Is it permissible to play music (obviously, reverent and appropriate) during exposition of the Blessed Sacrament? Something like Barbers Adagio, or maybe recorded sacred music/chant.

This is not a typical behavior, simply a method attempting to keep voices from being audible from the confessional during a retreat/reflection when silent adoration is taking place.

As far as I know that’s fine- or at least a better alternative than having confessions that aren’t private enough. I suggest you pick sacred music to play though. While Barber’s Adagio is an arrangement of a sacred choral piece for a string ensemble, his arrangement is much more famous than the original, so most don’t recognize it as sacred.

 

[GerardSchlundt]

I didn’t mean to imply Barbers Adagio was sacred, although I do seem to remember ‘Agnus Dei’ put to the tune.

There is no canonical restriction … I think that might be the better question to ask.

-G