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Secular Music Chas Sunday, January 4, 2015

Question:

This past Sunday during the Offeratory a Christmas Carol was sung first then the choir (which was a youth choir with guitars) started singing a secular song I heard in the movie Shrek; Hallelujah, which was composed by Leonard Cohen. I know there is a rule regarding secular music but I was not able to find it. Can you enlighten me as to where this is prohibited?

Thank you



Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Chas,

I haven't heard the "Hallelujah" from Shrek so I can't comment on the particular piece, but assuming it is completely secular then it would be inappropriate for Mass.  You may be thinking of the directive from 1967's Musicam Sacram, which is widely available online.

"Nevertheless, the introduction into the celebration of anything which is merely secular, or which is hardly compatible with divine worship, under the guise of solemnity should be carefully avoided: this applies particularly to the celebration of marriages." (n.43)

Since it could be difficult to tell what exactly is secular in different parts of the world  and in different times, it may also be entirely possible that your own diocese has more specific regulations on what is not allowed.

Mr. Slavek


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