Sacramentum Caritatis

[EasterJoy]

What is a section or passage that stands out for you, or that you’d like to discuss?

No paper needed…you can log on or cut-and-paste from the Vatican web site and read an electronic copy:
vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_ben-xvi_exh_20070222_sacramentum-caritatis_en.html

 

[japhy]

Count me in on this… I need to find my copy (printed out and highlighted). I also have the Propositiones of the Synod that the Holy Father refers to (which can provide some context). Once I find them, I’ll share some of my favorite parts.

 

[benedictgal]

This is the section that I have repeatedly posted in my comments concerning sacred music, or, the sad lack thereof:

Liturgical song

1. In the ars celebrandi, liturgical song has a pre-eminent place. (126) Saint Augustine rightly says in a famous sermon that “the new man sings a new song. Singing is an expression of joy and, if we consider the matter, an expression of love” (127). The People of God assembled for the liturgy sings the praises of God. In the course of her two-thousand-year history, the Church has created, and still creates, music and songs which represent a rich patrimony of faith and love. This heritage must not be lost. Certainly as far as the liturgy is concerned, we cannot say that one song is as good as another. Generic improvisation or the introduction of musical genres which fail to respect the meaning of the liturgy should be avoided. As an element of the liturgy, song should be well integrated into the overall celebration (128). Consequently everything – texts, music, execution – ought to correspond to the meaning of the mystery being celebrated, the structure of the rite and the liturgical seasons (129). Finally, while respecting various styles and different and highly praiseworthy traditions, I desire, in accordance with the request advanced by the Synod Fathers, that Gregorian chant be suitably esteemed and employed (130) as the chant proper to the Roman liturgy (131).

I wish that certain publshing houses would read this section, take it to heart and act immediately.