Music

I've never actually driven a Rolls-Royce but directing the music at the CA pilgrimage has a similar feel to it! You get to work with some excellent musicians and you drive a large gathering of people who are actually responsive and willing to sing. The key word is quality: the best of the old and the best of the new.

The liturgies during our pilgrimage are well thought out and carefully planned thanks to the deft touch of Father Vincent Harvey. The musicians, singers and instrumentalists, are perforce an ad hoc group who only meet each other for the first time at the rehearsal before the opening Mass on Saturday. Of course there is some continuity from one year to the next but I usually don't know exactly what musical resources will be available until that first day. As the week unfolds the music group begins to gel. Judy and David Ball are the glue (so to speak!) that holds the musicians together. They bring a professionalism to the group that ensures an expectation of quality in performance. In a word, they set a standard to which we all aspire.

We don't always like to be reminded of this but church musicians are the humble servants of the liturgy and of the liturgical assembly. Our ministry is to enable people to celebrate by clothing holy words and sacred action in appropriate music. We have a privileged responsibility to heighten the high moments of the pilgrimage. And we all have our favourite moments. The Mass at the Grotto must be high on the list and for this we choose music that is simple and singable. The Mass with the anointing of the sick is another as this reflects the heart of what Lourdes is about. This beautiful mix of the solemn and the homely is an occasion for a richer musical palette. This year, while aiming to provide a range of music that would appeal to all ages, we extended our repertoire to include plainsong and Purcell right through to Marty Haugen and the best of modern liturgical music. It is for you to decide whether we have the mix exactly right. We are always grateful for constructive comments. And if you sing or play an instrument - why not come and join us?

For more information on the music group, please simply email the Music Director: Judy Ball.

(by Fr James Walsh)

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