Bulletin Article (March 13, 2022)
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A good subtitle for this article might be “a little too late!” But perhaps reading these comments after experiencing what they describe is just as effective. You have no doubt noticed several differences in the liturgical environment during the season of Lent.
Sights & Sounds
From the Roman Missal “During Lent, it is not permitted to decorate the altar with flowers, and the use of musical instruments is allowed only so as to support the singing.” With this direction, the Church calls us to “fast” from both visual and aural decoration. You will notice very simple decorations in the sanctuary and around church. This enhances our ability to focus on the key elements of the liturgical environment—the tabernacle, the altar, the ambo, and the baptismal font—through which we encounter God and are reminded of his presence and work in our life. The music, overall, has a different character than other seasons—simple and somber. It calls us to focus on the words we’re singing and go deeper into their meaning. The vast colors of the organ are not used. Improvised music that accompanies liturgical action is omitted—the most noticeable being after communion. Silence is used in its place. Simple preludes that connect with the season are used; festive postludes are omitted and we exit the church in prayerful silence. You will also notice that the Gloria is omitted during Lent, which draws more attention to the Penitential Act. The word “Alleluia” is not sung or spoken; the Gospel Acclamation uses a different phrase of acclamation.
Latin Eucharistic Acclamations
There are about 20 sets of Mass parts in Latin that were used commonly before the Mass was translated into the vernacular. The Kyrie (Greek), Sanctus, and Agnus Dei that we are currently singing are from Mass XVIII, which was used at Missas de Profunctis (Masses for the Dead). The character of this setting pairs well with the penitential season of Lent, which is why Holy Mother Church has appointed this setting for use during this time. Many of the other Latin Mass settings have more joyful and uplifting qualities, so we shouldn’t just associate singing in Latin with penance!
Despite Latin being a dead language, the Catholic Church has retained it to this day as the official language of the Holy See and the Roman Rite. All liturgical documents, rites of the Church, and even official statements given by the Vatican are first published in Latin, and then translated into other languages for use throughout the world.
So, why do we sing in Latin? It’s a layered answer. Given what I’ve already said, singing in Latin connects us to the Universal Church. It also tips a hat to our heritage of praying the Mass in Latin for centuries—a tradition many “pre-Vatican II Catholics” remember. Unfortunately, many parishes in the United States dropped the use of Latin after the Second Vatican Council due to a misinterpretation of the council’s documents. While many parts of the US took on the attitude of “out with the old, in with the new,” many other countries understood that one of the council’s goals was to retain the rich heritage of the Church, including the way churches were designed and decorated, the use of Latin, chant, and so on. Think of our own St. Clare church building that combines many ancient elements of architecture and symbolism along with the use of contemporary building materials and styles. The result of this combination of “old and new” is the magnificent space that we pray in each week.
Wishing you blessings during your Lenten journey!
Stephen Eros
Director of Liturgy & Music
