More than just religious words

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Songs for Catholic liturgy need more than just religious words. They need a specific “orientation.” Even when we focus on Mary or the saints, our liturgical orientation is always toward Christ in praise of the Father.

In a document guiding Marian devotions, Pope Paul VI said that the prayers and songs we use at Marian feasts should be derived from the “one worship which is rightly called Christian, because it efficaciously originates in Christ, finds full expression in Christ, and through him, in the Holy Spirit leads to the Father” (Marialis Cultus 24).

Even in today’s entrance antiphon, Christ is our focus: “Let us all rejoice in the Lord, as we celebrate the feast day in honor of the Virgin Mary, at whose Assumption the Angels rejoice and praise the Son of God” (Roman Missal).

As you choose songs for the Assumption, don’t go by lyrics alone but by orientation.

This post was first published in “GIA Quarterly: A Liturgical Music Journal.”

Image credit: buburuzaproductions from Getty Images Signature.

Read more reflections on the Sunday readings here:

• Restraint and Generosity
• Going Further
• Can we be salt and light?
• Who is advocating for those in need?
• Bonded to Christ’s Mission