Cardinal conveys Pope's reservations on 'loud Church music'

Kochi, Dec 17 (UNI) Conveying Pope Benedict XVI's disappointment over Church music not originating from prayer, Archbishop Varkey Cardinal Vithyathil of Ernakulam-Angamaly has said the use of heavy orchestra was not in tune with the Catholic Church's ways.

In a 'Pastoral Letter' read at scores of churches in Kerala this month, Cardinal Vithathil said the Second Vatican Council had given music an exalted position as an inseparable and indispensable part of liturgy (prayer service).

The Catholic Church, he said, lays down three criteria to be observed in liturgical music: beauty expressive of prayer; the participation of the whole assembly in singing at the designated moments; and the solemn character of the celebration.

''The Church is not against adapting the liturgical music to the special characteristics of a place or culture. The same is her attitude towards modern music. But, they should be able to raise human hearts to God and to things Divine ... The Church desires that liturgical music be safeguarded and developed with the greatest care,'' he added.

Stressing the need for proper training to the members of the Church choir, the Cardinal said it should be borne in mind that there was a difference between liturgical music and an orchestra.

''Some noisy instruments used in orchestra are not at all suited to the atmosphere of a church nor does it help prayer. Such instruments drown the voice of the faithful, besides becoming a hindrance to prayer,'' he observed.

UNI ARC MS RN1931