Why the Pope is right to purge modern music

Damian Thompson, editor-in-chief of the Catholic Herald, writes:

Church music in Italy is generally atrocious, and the Vatican is no exception.

Since he arrived in Rome nearly 30 years ago, the music-loving Joseph Ratzinger has had to endure the sub-operatic warbling of bad 20th-century music. Now he has had enough.

The Pope, who last year appointed a new choir director of St Peter's, wants Gregorian chant, polyphony and baroque masterpieces to dominate the repertoire in the basilica and the Sistine chapel. And, by making his preferences clear, he is sending out a message to the whole Catholic Church.

But only those with ears to hear will listen, I'm afraid...Be thankful if you live in a diocese where humility, fidelity, and obedience are considered virtues rather than vices. Pray and practice perseverance if you're still waiting.

We are moving into an era of liturgical revolution. Benedict detests the feeble "folk Masses" that have remained the staple fare of Catholic worship long after they went out of musical fashion.

Many of us would claim that we've been enduring a 40-year war and revolution when it comes to liturgical music. What a blessing it would be if the teacings of the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council were truly followed - that of the organ and Gregorian chant holding pride of place in the liturgy. Can this be too much to ask for? Can we not offer to God our best rather than the mediocrity of our "folk masses"?

He wants the Church to rediscover the treasure of its heritage - and that includes Gregorian chant as well as the pre-1970 Latin Mass that can now be celebrated without the permission of bishops.

Treasures, indeed! A restoration of the beauty of our heritage would, I firmly believe, be a welcomed first step in restoring a rightful and necessary awe and reverence to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

The old guard of trendy choir directors and composers (many of whom have signed lucrative contracts with dioceses) will fight his reforms every inch of the way, egged on by philistine bishops.

I hear there is a new "Rock Band" game coming out for Xbox, PS3 and Wii - perhaps no longer needed guitarists, drummers and such can start a new enterprise with contests, prizes, and such - something more suited for their "talents" outside the sanctuary?

The next generation of choir directors have been charged by the Pope with the task of reintroducing beautiful music into church. If they succeed, then at long last the pews may begin to fill up again.

It would certainly help - It's shameful that so many offer to God, not the best, but that which is mundane, not the 'first fruits' but the leftovers of the hippie generations, where anyone who could play a couple of guitar chords or beat the bongos could "perform" or (actively participate) at a parish Mass...

A seemingly growing number of faithful Catholics are finding (or have found) parishes where Holy Mass is celebrated absent any music - which is a welcomed respite from having to endure the pain of listening to today's "guitar heroes".

The sooner the Holy Father's restoration of Sacred Music comes about, the better - it will help in the restoration of the majesty of the most precious sacrament Christ gave us and it will allow us to truly offer to God our best!