ST. AUGUSTINE, ONCE said, “He who sings prays twice.” This past Sunday, the Diocese of Hong Kong organised a musical offering and Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in honour of Pope Francis.
Originally scheduled for last December to celebrate the pope’s 84th birthday and the 51st anniversary of his priestly ordination, the event was postponed due to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. That it took place on the feast of Ss. Peter and Paul adds great spiritual significance to the celebration of the successor of Peter.
Music is as inter-cultural language. Pope Francis called it “an instrument for promoting unity. Through a beauty that captivates, music can help us entrust ourselves to the love of the Father. This Pope Francis exhortation at the International Meeting of Choirs, organised by the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelisation before the pandemic hit the world.
Citing the Final Document from the Synod on Youth in 2018, which stressed the importance of music, the pope also pointed out that “the language of music” is a pastoral resource. Music and song are “a true instrument of evangelisation” because musicians and singers bear witness to “the depth of the Word of God which touches people’s hearts” and allows a celebration of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, which enables one to perceive “the beauty of Paradise.”
Undoubtedly, music and songs are also prayers of the faithful. Through music, a choir of the Church family is formed, in which the praises of the people rise to the Father.
In Hong Kong, many groups make good use of the of music and bring encouragement and inspiration to people amid the pandemic.
The Mission Sunday celebration this October is a good example. Recently, the Ad Hoc Committee for the Diocesan Mission Sunday Celebration has launched an activity called Emmanuel Song Compositions to strengthen the cohesion among local Catholic music bands.
Sharing their ideas on creating music, some remarked that “very often it’s quite easy for people to get lost … Dear God, please softly strike my heart so that I can rediscover the truth.” Some said that there is “a time to weep and a time to laugh; don’t feel disappointed at certain times. You should know that God is with you every moment.” Amid the tension of the times and the difficulties on the journey of life, the Word of God enables us to rekindle hope and songs allow this encouragement to be passed down through the ages.
Locally, the Diocesan Sacred Music Commission is committed to promoting sacred music and related formation matters. The Diocesan Choir has also made great contributions by promoting traditional and Chinese sacred music, worshipping the Lord via hymns and spreading the gospel through the power of music. Local parish choirs, faith associations and some groups, also bring people closer to God through music.
Recently, the Hong Kong Hymnos Festival Society was formed. They plan to organise some activities in November to promote sacred music by presenting the works of various eras and styles using different approaches such as Gregorian chant, duets and pop music.
In this day and age, it is hoped that sacred music can cleanse human souls, enabling people to enter a calm and peaceful realm, and that society can share the message of love with everyone. SE
