Vocation: Sister Disciples Of The Divine Master

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A Pauline Centenary Pastoral Tool: Alberione and the Liturgical Movement n. 4

ALBERIONE AND THE LITURGICAL MOVEMENT:

A Doctoral Thesis Presented at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute ***

THE PAULINE FAMILY’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE LITURGICAL MOVEMENT: Part IV

INTRODUCTION

The expression “Liturgical Movement” was used for the first time in 1851 by Prosper Gueranger, in the third volume of the Institutions liturgiques, to describe the revival of liturgical studies and general interest in understanding and improving liturgical practices. In the past there were various historical periods characterized by a strong attachment to liturgy which, with its highly charged spiritual character, have contributed to new liturgical forms to the point of conditioning the liturgical attitudes of entire epochs. Nonetheless, the “Liturgical Movement” understood as a current or movement at work in a vast range of milieus, in view of the spiritual renewal of people’s lives through the power of the liturgy and/or the renewal of the liturgy itself on the basis of a deeper understanding of it and the laws governing it, is a historical-cultural phenomenon proper to our own time.

Our Founder, Blessed James Alberione, was shaped and imbued with the liturgical spirit. The natural and inevitable consequence of the liturgical spirit upon him was the liturgical apostolate. Indeed he had done much for the Liturgical Movement in Italy. Today, we can no longer ignore the hidden, but vital, contribution he gave in the fields of the liturgical apostolate and pastoral liturgy.

I. BLESSED ALBERIONE’S APOSTOLATE OF THE PRESS AND THE POPULARIZATION OF THE LITURGICAL MOVEMENT

A. Pauline Edition of the Roman Missal (cf. below - Archives n. 1)

B. Evangelario Festivo (cf. below - Archives n. 1)

C. Bollettino Parrochiale Liturgico (cf. below - Archives n. 1)

D. La Vita in Cristo e nella Chiesa (cf. below – Archives n. 2)

E. Other Pauline Liturgical Publications (cf. below – Archives n. 2)

II. THE CONGREGATION PIOUS DISCIPLES OF THE DIVINE MASTER

III. SACRED MUSIC

Among the consequences of the liturgical spirit upon Blessed Alberione, we may mention the great esteem he had for Gregorian chant and sacred music. In his Abundantes Divitiae account, he stated that Gregorian chant and sacred music have been regarded highly by the Pauline Family. In chapter 2 of my thesis, I mentioned his dependence on Pope Pius X for his ideas on sacred chant. In this section, we shall indicate some of Blessed Alberione’s thoughts and efforts to inculcate it in the spiritual and apostolic formation of the Paulines.

Writing in 1935 regarding apostolic formation, Blessed Alberione laid down an academic program for the study of sacred chant:

Let the following plan be followed concerning sacred chant:

In the initial years let our students learn well the ordinary praises, the Masses of the dead and De Angelis , and the tones of the psalmody of vespers together with the people’s response in various celebrations.

In the novitiate, let them learn the Liber Usualis with care and diligence.

After learning the entire Liber Usualis well, the theory and practice of sacred chant will follow according to the possibility of time and means.

In the December 1952 issue of San Paolo, Blessed Alberione asserted that music is part of the Pauline liturgical formation.

In 1955, Blessed Alberione wrote his reflections concerning sacred chant in general and Gregorian music in particular. Reflecting upon the teachings of Pope Pius X, he underlined the role of sacred music in enhancing the power of sacred texts and in leading the people more easily to the mysteries celebrated and the fruits of grace. Moreover, he expressed an intense desire to make the faithful, especially the youth, sing and participate in the liturgical celebration. That Blessed Alberione’s regard for the importance of sacred chant was absorbed by the Paulines could be verified, for instance, in the hymnal Preghiamo due volte, prepared by the Society of St. Paul. Divided into sections indicating the various aspects of liturgical piety, as well as the specific devotions of the Pauline Family, the hymnal contains some of the best lyrics and musical composition of Pauline authors. It is a real treasury of inspiring and high-quality Church music. The lyrics composed by different Pauline authors for the Pauline Family’s specific devotions, e.g. devotion to Jesus the Divine Master, devotion to Mary Queen of the Apostles, devotion to Saint Paul the Apostle, etc. could likewise serve as an important source in the study of the spirituality of the Pauline Family.

Aware that singing is a double prayer, Blessed Alberione brought out the purpose of the Pauline hymnal Preghiamo due volte, i.e. to express the fundamental devotions of the Pauline Family and to nourish the Pauline spirit and to express the inner sentiments of faith, hope and love. Indeed, the collection of music preserved in this hymnal is a melodious manifestation of the liturgical spirit animating the Pauline Family and of their faith, hope and love. Moreover, it reveals the specific character of the Pauline Family.

Blessed Alberione had always emphasized the apostolic potentiality of sacred music. In the Appunti di teologia pastorale, which he wrote in the early years of his priestly ministry, he stated that song is an important means through which the priest can draw people to the Church and sacraments. Through it, he can approach and endear himself to them and benefit them spiritually. Blessed Alberione understood and realized the efficacy of sacred music in pastoral ministry. For him, music is a handmaid of the liturgy and a powerful means for helping people come close to God.

One of the important apostolic sectors of the Pauline Family today is the production of cassettes and CDs of liturgical music with religious character. Gifted Pauline musicians have composed music capable of drawing people closer to God and elevating their sentiments to him. Indeed, music is a powerful apostolic means which the Pauline Family strives to exploit and harness more and more. For Blessed Alberione and the Pauline Family, music enhances the people’s participation in the Church’s liturgy and is at the service of the liturgy.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

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