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In
the ars celebrandi, liturgical song has a pre-eminent place. Saint Augustine rightly says in a famous sermon that
"the new man sings a new song. Singing is an expression of joy and, if we consider the matter, an expression of love." The
People of God assembled for the liturgy sings the praises of God. In the course of her two-thousand-year history, the Church
has created, and still creates, music and songs which represent a rich patrimony of faith and love. This heritage must not
be lost. Certainly as far as the liturgy is concerned, we cannot say that one song is as good as another. Generic improvisation
or the introduction of musical genres which fail to respect the meaning of the liturgy should be avoided. As an element of
the liturgy, song should be well integrated into the overall celebration. Consequently everything – texts, music, execution
– ought to correspond to the meaning of the mystery being celebrated, the structure of the rite and the liturgical seasons.
Finally, while respecting various styles and different and highly praiseworthy traditions, I desire, in accordance with the
request advanced by the Synod Fathers, that Gregorian chant be suitably esteemed and employed as the chant proper to the Roman
liturgy.
---Benedict XVI, Sacramentum Caritatis
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