Having just witnessed the replay of the Ordinary Consistory (which, by the way, included the creation of Texas’ first cardinal

), I was particularly moved by the music. Clearly, the changes that Pope Benedict has brought to the quality of our sacred liturgies are quite noticeable.
The Holy Father, himself, is setting the example and the standard by which our liturgies should flow. The faithful gathered was certainly international in nature, as the new cardinals were from nearly every part of the world. Yet, with the chanting and prayers in Latin, all were united by the language of the Church.
In fact, my father’s best friend, who attended the consistory, said that the music, albeit the entire ceremony was beautiful. He said that it was something that the TV cameras and sound couldn’t adequately capture.
My point in all of this is that if the naysayers who think that “picking and stumming” is the best form of liturgical were to take a serious listen to what transpired today (and the Mass that will follow tomorrow morning), perhaps they will realize that there is more out there than the tripe that OCP continously shoves down our throats. There is something deeper when the Church speaks her own language, especially in song. Clearly, the atmosphere is more prayerful and conducive to worship, as opposed to “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High” or “Shine, Jesus, Shine.”
I don’t profess to know Latin, but, there is something very deep involved here that’s beyond our understanding. The liturgy is something out of the ordinary. We enter God’s time and God’s presence. We enter the same mystery that Mary beheld at the Anunciation, Birth, Life and Death of Her Son. Music like “Gather Us In”, “We Remember”, “Ven al Banquete/Come to the Feast” and “Lord of Glory” just don’t adequately capture.
Perhaps this is what those who voted for the document that the USCCB was supposed to have adopted and sent to Rome had in mind. I am reminded of the title of one of Star Trek’s final episodes, “Is there in Truth no Beauty?” Is there in liturgy no real beauty or are we on the verge of losing it over the course of 40 years?