STATEMENT OF THE FIRST LITURGICAL MUSIC CONGRESS We, the delegates of the First Liturgical Music Congress convened by the Sub-Commission on Liturgical Music of the Federation of Tagalog Diocesan Liturgical Commissions, met in San Beda College, Mendiola, Manila, from October 29-30, 2013 in celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. We are pleased to share the outcome of our common study and the following conclusions. 1. We shall respect the official translation of the text in the Liturgy (cf. MS 58) a. For the parts of the Ordinary, composers should strictly follow the translation approved for liturgical use, taking outmost care that what is sung accords with the official text. (cf. 24th NMDDL statement no. 4) b. For the parts of the Proper, it is preferred that composers obtain the official translation of the text from the liturgical books. (cf. MS 9, 32) 2. That the music, in so far as its role is concerned, be primarily considered as the handmaid of the liturgical text. (cf. MS 59, 60; SC 112a&c, 121c) 3. That the musical instruments to be used truly respect the dignity of divine worship and foster the edification of the faithful. (cf. MS 63) note: The pipe organ and acoustic guitar are the approved instruments in the Philippines. Percussion instruments (i.e. piano forte, tambourine, drum set, and the like) are to be avoided. 4. In the celebration of the Sacraments, the music should create and maintain the atmosphere of prayer and participation. a. Music is an expression of the assemblys prayer and praise to God for the wonderful occasion of a wedding. For this reason, love songs that do not include Gods love are inappropriate to the wedding liturgy and are more suited to other parts of the wedding celebration like the wedding reception. Therefore, the use of secular music either vocal or instrumental during wedding pictorials should be carefully avoided. (cf. MS 43) b. The Christian funerals evoke feelings that are inherent in the culture of the people. Therefore, care should be taken in choosing the proper music that should support, console, and uplift the participants and should help to create in them a spirit of hope in Christs victory over death and in the Christians share in that victory. (cf. OCF 31) 5. While we recognize the practicality of pre-recorded music, it is recommended that music done in the liturgical celebrations be live in as much as its authenticity is provided by the living liturgical assembly gathered in the real presence of Christ. To achieve this, we strongly recommend the formal training of the church musicians. As we share with Churches in our dioceses these conclusions of our meeting, we commit ourselves to promote a liturgical music that is worthy of the musical heritage of the universal Church while respecting the musical culture of the Filipino people.
Posted on: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 06:40:29 +0000
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