Eucharistic Procession at Mercy Center, World Youth Day 2016

[Tannhauser_1509]

During World Youth Day this year, there was a large gathering of young people inside an arena (called the “Mercy Center”), at which Bishop Robert Barron of Word on Fire led a Eucharistic procession and benediction. I must say, I am a little conflicted about the whole arrangement of this: a band was playing pop Christian music (which I dislike, in general), and though the lyrics and melody were temperate enough, it seemed off. (Mind you, I wasn’t physically present; I’ve just watched the video.) There was an incongruity within me that had difficulty with this way of exposing the Blessed Sacrament. Here is a video of it from the Knights of Columbus’s YouTube channel.

I am hesitant to be critical, seeing as how Bishop Barron was profoundly moved by the whole experience, and on his ministry’s website wrote an article pertaining to what he felt there.

So before I jump to any hasty conclusions, I’d appreciate it if anyone could provide resources in which Church authorities have discussed the role of Eucharistic processions in the life of the Church.

 

[1ke]

I am hesitant to be critical

And yet, you are.

seeing as how Bishop Barron was profoundly moved by the whole experience

Seeing as how Bishop Barron is a bishop, and fully capable of conducting a Corpus Christi procession and Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction, I am not sure what your problem is.

So before I jump to any hasty conclusions

What conclusion is there to “jump to”?

It seems you didn’t like the choice of music. When you are the bishop or you are in charge, you can choose the music.

I’d appreciate it if anyone could provide resources in which Church authorities have discussed the role of Eucharistic processions in the life of the Church.

To what end?

 

[TheDoctor]

And yet, you are.

Seeing as how Bishop Barron is a bishop, and fully capable of conducting a Corpus Christi procession and Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction, I am not sure what your problem is.

What conclusion is there to “jump to”?

It seems you didn’t like the choice of music. When you are the bishop or you are in charge, you can choose the music.

To what end?

Thanks for saying/asking what I wanted to say/ask but in a more charitable way than I would.

 

[wllmjoseph]

During World Youth Day this year, there was a large gathering of young people inside an arena (called the “Mercy Center”), at which Bishop Robert Barron of Word on Fire led a Eucharistic procession and benediction. I must say, I am a little conflicted about the whole arrangement of this: a band was playing pop Christian music (which I dislike, in general), and though the lyrics and melody were temperate enough, it seemed off. (Mind you, I wasn’t physically present; I’ve just watched the video.) There was an incongruity within me that had difficulty with this way of exposing the Blessed Sacrament. Here is a video of it from the Knights of Columbus’s YouTube channel.

I am hesitant to be critical, seeing as how Bishop Barron was profoundly moved by the whole experience, and on his ministry’s website wrote an article pertaining to what he felt there.

So before I jump to any hasty conclusions, I’d appreciate it if anyone could provide resources in which Church authorities have discussed the role of Eucharistic processions in the life of the Church.

It is important to note that in our Church both traditional and contemporary music is allowed. In my own diocese there are parishes that will only have traditional music. I am not comfortable with that. I believe that both Traditional and Contemporary music should be available.

My parish is close to UNC Charlotte. The 5:00 PM Mass on Sunday was well attended by the Catholic students of UNC Charlotte when the Mass had Contemporary music. We had a new Choir Director some years ago and there was a change in that all of the Masses had Traditional music. Including the Sunday Mass at 5:00 PM. There are some students that still attend Sunday Mass at 5:00 PM. There are other students who go to another parish for they appreciate or prefer the Contemporary music. The Sunday 5:00 PM Mass is not as well attended by the students as it used to be.

If both Traditional and Contemporary Music are allowed I don’t understand why it is an issue if there was Contemporary music played at a Eucharistic procession and benediction at World Youth Day. If both Traditional and Contemporary music are approved forms of worship than why does it matter if Contemporary music is used? Both Traditional and Contemporary music should be available. Many in the younger audience do prefer Contemporary music.

It concerns me that there are some in our Church who would only allow Contemporary music or would only allow Traditional music. There is a great deal of discussion within Holy Mother Church on Vatican II. I believe all of the documents of Vatican II were true to the doctrines and traditions of our Church. Yes, there were individuals and groups within the Church that have attempted to take Vatican II in a direction that it was never intended to be taken. My concern is that if we only allow one type of music in our Liturgies that we will loose other people who have a preference for the music that is no longer allowed

 

[Tannhauser_1509]

Tannhauser_1509;14109785:

I am hesitant to be critical

And yet, you are.

seeing as how Bishop Barron was profoundly moved by the whole experience

Seeing as how Bishop Barron is a bishop, and fully capable of conducting a Corpus Christi procession and Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction, I am not sure what your problem is.

So before I jump to any hasty conclusions

What conclusion is there to “jump to”?

It seems you didn’t like the choice of music. When you are the bishop or you are in charge, you can choose the music.

I’d appreciate it if anyone could provide resources in which Church authorities have discussed the role of Eucharistic processions in the life of the Church.

To what end?

It was not merely the choice of music. It was everything put together. And I’d appreciate to know where the Church discusses Eucharistic processions to the end that I’d simply like to be properly educated.

 

[Tannhauser_1509]

Thanks for saying/asking what I wanted to say/ask but in a more charitable way than I would.

What an unnecessary thing to say! If 1ke handled saying what you could not, then there’s no need to say, without the slightest explanation as to why, that you would have been uncharitable to me. Now I’d like to know what you really think.

 

[Tannhauser_1509]

My concern is that if we only allow one type of music in our Liturgies that we will loose other people who have a preference for the music that is no longer allowed

Your concerns would be well placed if the liturgical documents placed all forms of music on even terrain. But they don’t: they give express preference for Gregorian chant where it is able to be accomplished. The fathers laid out a hierarchy of acceptability when it comes to music, though “the Church approves of all forms of true art having the needed qualities, and admits them into divine worship” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 112).

 

[1ke]

It was not merely the choice of music. It was everything put together.

Oh, well that clears it all up.

And I’d appreciate to know where the Church discusses Eucharistic processions to the end that I’d simply like to be properly educated.

Ceremonial of Bishops

Congregation for the Sacraments and Divine Worship Instruction Inaestimabile donum

USCCB Order for the Solemn Exposition of the Holy Eucharist

Roman Missal, Third Edition

Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist outside Mass

 

[1ke]

Your concerns would be well placed if the liturgical documents placed all forms of music on even terrain. But they don’t: they give express preference for Gregorian chant where it is able to be accomplished.

Eucharistic processions, exposition, and adoration are not the Mass. There is no call for Gregorian Chant in any of these. Worship of the Eucharist outside Mass is a completely different thing. In fact, the rubrics call for music easy to sing, familiar to the people, and instruments easily carried in procession.

The fathers laid out a hierarchy of acceptability when it comes to music,

You try to apply to worship of the Eucharist outside of Mass ideas and rubrics that the Church does not.

 

[Tannhauser_1509]

Tannhauser_1509;14111030:

Your concerns would be well placed if the liturgical documents placed all forms of music on even terrain. But they don’t: they give express preference for Gregorian chant where it is able to be accomplished.

Eucharistic processions, exposition, and adoration are not the Mass. There is no call for Gregorian Chant in any of these. Worship of the Eucharist outside Mass is a completely different thing. In fact, the rubrics call for music easy to sing, familiar to the people, and instruments easily carried in procession.

The fathers laid out a hierarchy of acceptability when it comes to music

You try to apply to worship of the Eucharist outside of Mass ideas and rubrics that the Church does not.

No. I was adressing what wllmjoseph said in a previous post: if you read the second paragraph, wllm was speaking about the role of music in the Mass.

So, as it turns out, I was applying the rubrics to worship of the Eucharist within the Mass, not outside it. That’s not the focus of this thread, but I wasn’t conflating anything.

 

[Tannhauser_1509]

Tannhauser_1509;14111008:

It was not merely the choice of music. It was everything put together.

Oh, well that clears it all up.

And I’d appreciate to know where the Church discusses Eucharistic processions to the end that I’d simply like to be properly educated.

Ceremonial of Bishops

Congregation for the Sacraments and Divine Worship Instruction Inaestimabile donum

USCCB Order for the Solemn Exposition of the Holy Eucharist

Roman Missal, Third Edition

Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist outside Mass

Well, the latter document you listed—Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass—gives guidelines for three kinds of Eucharistic worship outside the Mass: exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Eucharistic processions, and Eucharistic congresses. It’s hard to place, strictly, what took place at the youth event into any of those three categories. The schedule for the Mercy Centre lists it as the “Night of Mercy Youth Festival,” and doesn’t include a Eucharistic procession in the program. The nature of the procession falls more so under what is witnessed at a Eucharistic congress, rather than at a formal Eucharistic procession (such as what we see on the Feast of Corpus Christi). Now, I don’t know what preceded the procession at the Mercy Centre (whether the Blessed Sacrament was being adored previously or had just been consecrated), but the procession was a little irregular because the Mercy Centre was a kind of “end” of the procession, rather than an intermediate—such as a street—between two churches.

It is fitting that a eucharistic procession begin after the Mass in which the host to be carried in the procession has been consecrated. A procession may also take place, however, at the end of a lengthy period of public adoration.

…]

It is fitting that the procession should go from one church to another. Nevertheless, if local circumstances require, the procession may return to the same church where it began.

At the end of the procession benediction with the blessed sacrament should be given in the church where the procession ends or at another appropriate place. Then the blessed sacrament is reposed. (Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass, #74 & 78-79)

Anyway, the Congregation for Divine Worship states in the same document, #83, concerning Eucharistic congresses:
The celebration of the congress should follow these criteria:

a) the celebration of the eucharist should be the true centre and high point of the congress to which all efforts and the various devotional services should be directed;

…]

d) the regulations concerning eucharistic processions should be observed for the procession in which the blessed sacrament is carried through the streets of the city with common hymns and prayers, taking into account local, social, and religious conditions.​

As to what the regulations are concerning Eucharistic processions, to which congresses ought to adhere:
Eucharistic processions should be arranged in accordance with local customs concerning the decoration of the streets and the order followed by the participants. In the course of the procession there may be stations where the eucharistic blessing is given, if this custom is in effect and is of pastoral advantage. Songs and prayers should be so directed that all proclaim their faith in Christ and direct their attention to the Lord alone. (Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass, #75) [Bold added.]

As to whether the song being sung during the procession was “so directed that all proclaim their faith in Christ and direct their attention to the Lord alone,” I would have to say it’s highly disputable. The lyrics are a bit introspective, never explicitly mention Christ or God or the like (only references to “heaven” in the abstract, and one use of the word “his,” which refers to Christ). The song was written by the David Crowder Band, and the refrain goes:

So lay down your burdens
Lay down your shame
All who are broken
Lift up your face
Oh wanderer come home
You’re not too far
So lay down your hurt
Lay down your heart
Come as you are

We can contrast this with more ancient hymns/prayers like Let all mortal flesh keep silence, which perhaps doesn’t qualify as a “common prayer and hymn” for the youth who were gathered there, but there are better options for something as stately as a Eucharistic procession. Perhaps a song written by a Catholic, specifically for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament?

In a previous post, you said: “It seems you didn’t like the choice of music. When you are the bishop or you are in charge, you can choose the music.” Well, I guess you could say that I didn’t like it, and that was a big part of my discomfort with the event. But there were other things as well. I won’t get into them yet, not until we’ve further discussed the subject of the music. And one last thing: how does my discomfort with the overall atmosphere of the event insult the pastoral authority of Bishop Barron? I respect His Excellency a great deal, and that’s why I gave pause to my concerns when I noted that he was profoundly moved by what took place: because I respect him.

 

[1ke]

You’ve expended a lot of energy on this. And i’m not interested in debating your opinion about the music.

So, as far as this thread goes, I’m out.

 

[Tannhauser_1509]

You’ve expended a lot of energy on this. And i’m not interested in debating your opinion about the music.

So, as far as this thread goes, I’m out.

That’s too bad. I was looking forward to your response, after I took time to defend my position. Bye, then!

 

[Tannhauser_1509]

You’ve expended a lot of energy on this. And i’m not interested in debating your opinion about the music.

So, as far as this thread goes, I’m out.

Okay, 1ke, I really don’t want you to leave. I’ve quoted an authoritative document that talks about music choice in Eucharistic processions, and whatever opinion you may offer I will listen to. Opinions are valuable when they’re reasonable, so if I’ve been unreasonable, then, by all means, call me out!

But don’t leave me hangin’, homie.

 

[jesusalright4me]

When I first saw the video, I too was concerned. But then I must remind myself, that years ago it was exactly that kind of music in a similar procession in which I came to Christ. My spirituality has changed to that of a more traditional one since. Will I go back? Who knows!

My opinion: I think that there needs to be more contemporary Christian music written by Catholics that really emphasize Jesus’ love for us in specifically the Eucharist. Songs that praise him for humbling himself so much to the point where he would want to become what appears like bread to us. Older Catholic hymns did this, why can’t newer pop style ones also praise and thank Jesus for his love in a way that is particularly Catholic?

That said, so as long as the contemporary songs have no piece of heresy in them, (think you’d be hard pressed to find any in most) then sing away at a Eucharistic procession! Just my two cents.

 

[Tannhauser_1509]

When I first saw the video, I too was concerned. But then I must remind myself, that years ago it was exactly that kind of music in a similar procession in which I came to Christ. My spirituality has changed to that of a more traditional one since. Will I go back? Who knows!

My opinion: I think that there needs to be more contemporary Christian music written by Catholics that really emphasize Jesus’ love for us in specifically the Eucharist. Songs that praise him for humbling himself so much to the point where he would want to become what appears like bread to us. Older Catholic hymns did this, why can’t newer pop style ones also praise and thank Jesus for his love in a way that is particularly Catholic?

That said, so as long as the modern hymns have no piece of heresy in them (think you’d be hard pressed to find any in most) then sing away!

Yes, I would agree. My contention with the song choice stems largely from the fact that it was written by Protestants, who did not have the Eucharist in mind in the slightest when they wrote it.

 

[jesusalright4me]

Yes, I would agree. My contention with the song choice stems largely from the fact that it was written by Protestants, who did not have the Eucharist in mind in the slightest when they wrote it.

Very true! At the same time, the truth they express about Jesus’ love is very true and is not inappropriate for a procession. But a Catholic artist writing a distinctly Catholic Eucharist song about Jesus’ love for us? Woah now that would be amazing and so much better I feel!

A note, I think they sang “Lord I Need You” by Matt Maher, who is a Catholic. It may not be Eucharistic-centered specifically, but it is still a good song. Matt Maher wrote an adaptation of the “Tantum Ergo” awhile back. While using it in Benediction probably shouldn’t be allowed because of the extra lyrics he adds, it’s an example of mixing pop elements with traditional and keeping it all Catholic. It’s right here m.youtube.com/watch?v=4vSM0z6Wsj8

Some more contemporary Catholic-sounding songs by a Catholic artist is “Restless” and “I Shall not Want”, both by Audrey Assad. The former seems to be based off of St. Augustine’s famous opening statements in his Confessions, the latter based upon the traditional Litany of Humility. Though they aren’t necessarily Eucharstic in nature like I’m looking for, they are an example of how Catholic contemporary music can be done in an awesome way

 

[Tannhauser_1509]

Very true! At the same time, the truth they express about Jesus’ love is very true and is not inappropriate for a procession. But a Catholic artist writing a distinctly Catholic Eucharist song about Jesus’ love for us? Woah now that would be amazing and so much better I feel!

A note, I think they sang “Lord I Need You” by Matt Maher, who is a Catholic. It may not be Eucharistic-centered specifically, but it is still a good song. Matt Maher wrote an adaptation of the “Tantum Ergo” awhile back. While using it in Benediction probably shouldn’t be allowed because of the extra lyrics he adds, it’s an example of mixing pop elements with traditional and keeping it all Catholic. It’s right here m.youtube.com/watch?v=4vSM0z6Wsj8

Some more contemporary Catholic-sounding songs by a Catholic artist is “Restless” and “I Shall not Want”, both by Audrey Assad. The former seems to be based off of St. Augustine’s famous opening statements in his Confessions, the latter based upon the traditional Litany of Humility. Though they aren’t necessarily Eucharstic in nature like I’m looking for, they are an example of how Catholic contemporary music can be done in an awesome way

Well, to be honest with you, at times I am ashamed that I am so bitter against contemporary Christian music, because it usually involves me being a bit of a kill-joy. But I come from an Evangelical, non-denominational background, where the aim of singing in my former church was usually keeping with the times and with younger audiences, and telling the older members to shut-up about it and take it for the sake of Christ. Also, there is a tendency for lyrics in modern songs to be theologically shallow and sentimental. Also, they’re highly instrumental, and many are awkward to sing without instruments; whereas an organ is almost always dispensable and in service to the voice. But if contemporary music does exist that can express the glory of God and the depths of the gospel to a truly spiritually edifying extent, then I may have to change my views.

My thing is: what more is there really to add to the musical tradition of the Western Church (Gregorian chant and polyphony)? If either of those two is available for use, then I’d say there’s just no debate to be had. What do you say?

Music is the worst subject to argue about: there’s never an end in sight. But I enjoy discussing it, nevertheless.

 

[Tannhauser_1509]

Matt Maher wrote an adaptation of the “Tantum Ergo” awhile back. While using it in Benediction probably shouldn’t be allowed because of the extra lyrics he adds, it’s an example of mixing pop elements with traditional and keeping it all Catholic. It’s right here m.youtube.com/watch?v=4vSM0z6Wsj8

The Tantum Ergo / Pange Lingua overwhelms me every time I hear it sung. The Choir of King’s College has sung the common English translation—Of the Glorious Body Telling—and it’s the most profound to me, because I can actually understand it. You can listen to it here.

What is there to add to this? No amount of contemporary innovation can make this “more relevant” or give it a “new feel.” I don’t know. That’s just me.

 

[jesusalright4me]

But I come from an Evangelical, non-denominational background, where the aim of singing in my former church was usually keeping with the times and with younger audiences, and telling the older members to shut-up about it and take it for the sake of Christ.

I can understand your frustration: I always dislike it when in Church the only hymns sung are modern, and if you even bring up to any of the choir director the possibility of doing a classical Christian/Catholic hymns rich with meaning, you get shut down. This is wrong.

Also, there is a tendency for lyrics in modern songs to be theologically shallow and sentimental. Also, they’re highly instrumental, and many are awkward to sing without instruments; whereas an organ is almost always dispensable and in service to the voice. But if contemporary music does exist that can express the glory of God and the depths of the gospel to a truly spiritually edifying extent, then I may have to change my views.

Well, though it certainly isn’t my favorite choice of music most of the time either, I know from my own past as well as the experiences of some of my friends that certain types of music help them pray. Organ, I agree, is beautiful, and should be used more in every parish across the US (I would want at least one organ song per mass, but this is rather unrealistic in this day and age:shrug: ). But there are advantages to simpler kinds of instruments as well as simpler theological lyrics. Everyone ought to be exposed to songs with deep theological meaning indeed. I’m of the opinion that theologically rich songs should be used more in liturgy, while still allowing simpler contemporary music to exist.

My thing is: what more is there really to add to the musical tradition of the Western Church (Gregorian chant and polyphony)? If either of those two is available for use, then I’d say there’s just no debate to be had. What do you say?

I’m of the opinion that the American church ought to make a return back to more use of chant and polyphony. Many underestimate it’s power to move the soul. The same goes for the organ. However, that is not to discredit more modern songs. While they may not be as deep, sometimes their simplicity does indeed move people’s souls as well.

Traditional music often emphasizes important theological truths. Contemporary music often emphasizes feelings and sentimentality as you said. While feelings are important in life, they should only be viewed as valid or good feelings in light of higher truths, if that makes sense. In other words, truth is more important than feelings, but both are important. That is why I think that traditional polyphony and chant and good organ hymns should be used alongside modern not-as-deep songs, so as long as the more important traditional music is used more. Hope that makes some sense.

The Tantum Ergo / Pange Lingua overwhelms me every time I hear it sung. The Choir of King’s College has sung the common English translation—Of the Glorious Body Telling—and it’s the most profound to me, because I can actually understand it. You can listen to it here.

What is there to add to this? No amount of contemporary innovation can make this “more relevant” or give it a “new feel.” I don’t know. That’s just me.

I don’t know, I find the aforementioned Audrey Assad song “I Shall not Want” contemporary, fresh, but also traditional and theologically rich as it is based off of the Litany of Humility. That Litany is characterized by petitions to God for deliverance from worldly comfort and love, which is pretty Catholic if you ask me. The message certainly is a break from many other contemporary songs. And while it (and a select few other contemporary songs) don’t move me as deeply as some good ol’ chant or polyphony, I would be lying if I said they didn’t at all.

I think the main thing to realize here is that people are at different places in their spiritual journey and that certain types of music speak well to other’s souls overall. That said, traditional music should still be giving the place of honor in the western Church, so that the feelings that are felt in modern music can be viewed in the light if such truth.