President Roxas Capiz Chamber Choir

Singing in Mass

A non-Catholic friend once asked me after Eucharistic Adoration, “What is the significance of chanting?” We are so used to chanting (and singing) during the Mass that we sometimes forget the significance of sacred music.

“The true purpose of sacred music is the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful.” This is achieved through full, conscious, and active participation in singing (and in the entire liturgy as well), allowing the faithful to unite interiorly with what they are singing and raise their minds to God. An ancient proverb thus holds: “One who sings well prays twice.”

Saint Augustine also said: “Singing is for the one who loves.” May our singing in Mass reflect a growing relationship with the Lord, and translate into our lives.

Did you know?
In 2011, English-speaking Catholics started using a new English translation of the Roman Missals, prepared by the International Commission on English in the Liturgy. This included new chants that are based on the Church’s tradition of Gregorian chant, which are melodic and simple, and therefore easy for the congregation to follow. Thus, for one liturgical year, most parishes in Singapore used these chants to familiarise Singaporean Catholics with the chants.

-Shaun