Lenten Music

The Season of Lent is a time when the Church asks us to reflect more soberly on the Passion of our Lord. It Is a time of more intimate prayer and reflection. Lent is also a time that unites us to ancient traditions and practices as well as connecting us to the faithful members of old. Thus, the music used during the Lenten Season will reflect this more solemn mood.

Latin is the official language of the Church, and Vatican II reminds us that it continues to hold prominence and privilege in the Divine Liturgy. Therefore, during this Season of Lent we will be singing the Latin version of the "Holy, Holy, Holy" (The Sanctus). There will be an additional aid in the pews with the melody and Latin words. The purpose is to aid in providing a more solemn and sacred environment so we can reflect more deeply on the mysteries of our faith. I realize that some may not like or feel comfortable singing in Latin, but the more we embrace this ancient practice during certain seasons the better we come to appreciate the simple beauty and reverence that will lead us closer to God.

"This language, with its rhythm and melodic expression, contributes to create a fascinating atmosphere of sacredness and mystery and helps the celebrants and the participants to grasp the ungraspable, which is God Himself," reflects Fr. Robert Spataro, secretary of Pontifical Academy for Latin.

My prayer is that this Lenten Season will be a time of greater prayer and fruitfulness for the churches of Holy Family, Clermont Co., as we prepare ourselves for the glory of Easter.

In Christ,

Fr. Thomas H. McCarthy