Archdiocese of Chicago

Cardinal George's Network Archive

Monday, October 3, 2011

The Language of Music

Many parishes in Chicago have two or more linguistic groups composing the parish family.  Ordinarily, they worship in their respective languages; but on anniversaries or larger celebrations when I am sometimes present, they come together for a bilingual or trilingual Mass.  The key to a celebration that reinforces unity is the music.

Music is a language of its own.  It is understandable even when its words or lyrics are not.  This it shares with mathematics, and both bear witness to the rationality and beauty of the Creator.  Composers create works of art, but they have not invented music itself. Mathematicians solve problems and invent formulas, but they did not create the order that unites mind and nature.  Reality is first of all discovered before we can begin to think or set to work, and what is discovered is the mind of God expressed in his creation.  I find this insight both exciting and comforting.

Francis Cardinal George, OMI

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