Some comments from the Holy Father recently, as reported by ZENIT. On sacred music, after a concert at the Sistine Chapel sponsored by the Domenico Bartolucci Foundation:
All the passages we have heard -- and especially the performance as a whole in which the 16th and 20th centuries run parallel -- together confirm the conviction that sacred polyphony, particularly that of the so-called "Roman School," is a legacy to preserve with care, to keep alive and to make known, not only for the benefit of experts and lovers of it but also for the entire ecclesial community, for which it constitutes a priceless spiritual, musical and cultural heritage.
The Bartolucci Foundation aims precisely to safeguard and spread the classical and contemporary tradition of this famous polyphonic school that has always been distinguished by its form, focused on singing alone without an instrumental accompaniment. An authentic renewal of sacred music can only happen in the wake of the great tradition of the past, of Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony.
Go here for a number of remarks by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger about the role of sacred music in liturgy.
And here are some comments about Mary Magdalene, whose feast day was this past Saturday (full text will probably be available very soon on the Vatican website):
"Magdalene would be present under the cross, together with the mother of Jesus and other women. She would discover, on the morning of the first day after the Sabbath, the empty sepulcher, next to which she remained weeping until the risen Jesus appeared to her," the Holy Father said.
The Pope said that "the story of Mary Magdalene reminds everyone of a fundamental truth: She is a disciple of Christ who, in the experience of human weakness, has had the humility to ask for his help, has been healed by him, and has followed him closely, becoming a witness of the power of his merciful love, which is stronger than sin and death."
Of course, Benedict's statements about the Magdalene are a bit different from those who believe she is the "lost goddess" who embodies the "sacred feminine," most likely because he adheres to the Biblical/historical record. His comments touch upon what I think really upsets radical feminists (that is, those who hate a "patriarchal" God and the orthodox understanding of Jesus) -- the fact that Mary Magdalene's greatness and sainthood is rooted in her humble decision to undergo conversion, to be healed, to become a disciple, and to live for Christ. For more of Benedict's thoughts on authentic femininity and discipleship, check out his wonderful work on Mary, Mother of God, Daughter Zion: Meditations on the Church's Marian Beliefs.
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