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Targeting the papal iPod
Much has been made of Pope John Paul II’s role in inspiring the music of the new evangelization. But what of the man who has led the Catholic church since 2005?
According to Fr. J. Michael Joncas, Pope Benedict XVI’s thoughts on liturgical music “have never been presented in a systematic fashion.” But some of his opinions can be gleaned from books like The Spirit of the Liturgy, which compiles his writings on the subject. They reveal an abiding respect for traditional sacred music, and greater uncertainty about more modern styles.
When Benedict XVI came to Washington and New York to celebrate his first U.S. Masses in April, the visit triggered more contentious debate about music in the liturgy. Traditionalists in particular were confident that this pope would share their tastes, if not their convictions.
The music chosen for the Mass programs in the two cities formed a contrast. In New York, the Masses at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Yankee Stadium favored what Joncas characterized as a “more substantial use of chant … and choral singing without congregational vocal participation.”
Rockers Moving to the Beat of a New Evangelization
Prescott, Ariz.
There is a black sports utility vehicle idling in the parking lot of Yavapai Community College here that features, across its passenger side, an enormous picture of Pope John Paul II. His image rises up above the back wheel well and stretches his arms toward the front door, culminating, near the rooftop, in a radiant golden monstrance that the late pope lifts above his head.
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This is an expanded version of the article which appeared in the Aug. 22 issue of the National Catholic Reporter.
Listen to songs by Matt Maher at spiritandsong.com
Also read: Targeting the papal iPod
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Catholic music: Rockers moving to the beat of a new evangelization
There is a black sports utility vehicle idling in the parking lot of Yavapai Community College here that features, across its passenger side, an enormous picture of Pope John Paul II. His image rises up above the back wheel well and stretches his arms toward the front door, culminating, near the rooftop, in a radiant golden monstrance that the late pope lifts above his head. Beyond the makeshift popemobile, a faint thump of bass escapes the campus arts center, where the Matt Maher Band plays music for a darkened auditorium packed with college students and youth ministers. The audience raises hands and shouts along with the lyrics, as the air swells with the sound of Mahers band. From outside, the noise sounds like a pulse. But inside, to both the musicians and the crowd, its modern Catholic worship in action, and the heartbeat of a movement championed by a pope who remains their inspiration three years after his death.
