Marcel Angelo Delfinado- Theology I

Prof.: Rev. Fr. Xavier R. Amoroso, O.P., S.Th.L.

1. The explication of the Musicam Sacram on the principle of progressive solemnity pertains to the
,between the solemn, fuller form of liturgical celebration, in which everything that demands
singing is in fact sung, and the simplest form, in which singing is not used, there can be various
degrees according to the greater or lesser place allotted to singing. It does not pertain to the
style of music rather the degree of each part of the mass that is sung or recited. This instruction
on Liturgical Music explains that there are certain degrees of which the liturgy is solemnized by
singing by its liturgical rank. An example would be the Misa de Aguinaldo. The liturgical singing
of the 9-day novena mass must anticipate the joy of the Christmas celebration but it must not
give the impression that the Misa de Aguinaldo is on the same rank as the celebration of Christ’s
birth.
2. Musicam Sacram had been a significant milestone in the life of the Church especially in its
liturgical reforms. It has helped the people of God to understand and to better participate in the
liturgy by singing and proclaiming the mystery of the liturgical celebration. The liturgical
instruction has the character of being “Pastoral in nature” and thus it has helped a lot in
nourishing the faith of the people. However the music ministers must always keep in mind to
follow the said instruction and be flexible as well. There must also be a fine line of
understanding between liturgical and religious songs as well as secular or profane music which
sometimes are incorporated to the liturgical celebration. One must be very careful with that
because it defeats the primary thrust of the liturgical reform which is to praise God through
singing with the Church and the people of God.