Top Popes’ Quotes About Sacred Music

TOP POPES’ QUOTES ABOUT SACRED MUSIC

1. Music is greater than any other art

“The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art.”
Vatican Council 2, The Constitution of The Sacred Liturgy, 1963, 112.

2. Creating opportunity to participate in music is crucial

“The treasure of sacred music is to be preserved and fostered with great care… but bishops and other pastors of souls must be at pains to ensure that, whenever the sacred action is to be celebrated with song, the whole body of the faithful may be able to contribute that active participation which is rightly theirs.”
Vatican Council 2, The Constitution of The Sacred Liturgy, 1963, 114

3. Musical traditions in different parts of the world are to be respected

“In certain parts of the world, especially mission lands, there are peoples who have their own musical traditions, and these play a great part in their religious and social life. For this reason due importance is to be attached to their music, and a suitable place is to be given to it, not only in forming their attitude toward religion, but also in adapting worship to their native genius… Therefore, when missionaries are being given training in music, every effort should be made to see that they become competent in promoting the traditional music of these peoples, both in schools and in sacred services, as far as may be practicable.”
Vatican Council 2, The Constitution of The Sacred Liturgy, 1963, 119

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– The Liturgy Guys