“Qui cantat, bis orat”- He who sings, prays twice!
In ‘A Confident & Vibrant Church’ I wrote about what my experience at WYD 35 in Sydney says to me of the state of the catholic Church. As the title suggests the news was good.
Last weekend I explored the Irish Church’s version of a youth event, Youth 2000’s festival at Clonmacnois. What does this experience have to say about the Irish Church?
To begin with I would suggest that my (& those of a common mind) being there was a witness to the unity of the Catholic Church. I was new to Youth 2000’s brand of retreat and while their brand of praise wouldn’t be my usual I can see the value in it. I wrote earlier about the ‘unity, not uniformity’ which is so charteristic of our Church and this can be truly seen in this experience. We give expression to the same core beliefs in varying ways but we are united by those core beliefs.
The festival was one of exuberant praise for the living God following the plea of John Paul II to truly be “Easter people”. Whether the finely tuned musings of our resident band or on-the-spot outbursts from various groups laying claim to guitars, music was never far. The words of St. Augustine never strayed too far either: ”Qui cantat, bis orat”- He who sings, prays twice!
Our increasingly familiar monsoon season battered the marquees but a Christian’s joy is not so easily quashed. There was no better group of Christian’s to prove this.
When Bishop Colm O’Reilly of Clonmacnois celebrated Mass with us he made note of the group’s deep love and reverance for the Eucharist. This is wonderful…this remarkable love from a group of youths in a culture so opposed to such love. This was also shown by the fact that of this group of Irish youth’s the blessed sacrament was never alone in the chapel set up for adoration…,day or night.
I can’t see myself making Youth 2000 events a part of my routine but I can say with confidence that it is refreshing to see such extraordinary faith in Ireland’s youth today. Youth 2000 have found a formula to guide the youth back. This formula won’t work for everyone but it is certainly having some success.
The more of these youth run initiatives the better and, you never know, we could have our own Taizé some day!…our own little wellspring.
Monday, August 18th, 2008 and is filed under The Church.
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paul Says:
Hello there,
Sorry to interrupt your blog but I have a question regarding music in Churches. Could you please tell me is there a suitable irish church song for the entry into a baptism. If not what is the usual song played at the start of a baptism
Thank you very much
September 4th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Ronan Says:
Paul,
You’re very welcome to interrupt my blog. Discussion is the aim.
According to my dominican neighbour there aren’t really any hymns perscribed for entry into a baptism. Certainly we’re not aware of any Irish ones.
I have heard the Irish blessing “May the road rise up to meet you…(etc.)” put to music.
Perhaps you could find this.
Another option is if you got in touch with a diocese in the west of Ireland which contains a Gaeltacht region. They would know if there’s something out there.
I’m sorry I can’t be of more help.
Good luck!
September 4th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Sheila Says:
Paul, can you give me the citation for your Augustine quote? I’ve been hunting this for a while to no avail. SEM
October 23rd, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Sheila McGinn Says:
I intended this question to go to Ronan, so I’ll repeat it: can you give me the citation for your Augustine quote? I’ve been hunting this for a while to no avail. Sorry about the misdirection.
Paul, if you still are looking for a baptismal hymn, you might consider the Breastplate of St. Patrick. SEM
October 30th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Dave Says:
Hi Shiela,
With Ronan not having much access to internet, I had a look for the citation - I’ve found it referenced from a few different sources as Sermon 336, 1 (PL 38, 1472).
Hopefully that will help you out!
All the best
Dave
October 30th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Ronan Says:
Thanks Dave.
November 5th, 2008 at 5:47 pm