A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 7TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE NATIONAL CATHOLIC LITURGICAL MUSIC COUNCIL (NACALIMCO) AT BROTHER ROMAN CENTRE AND ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS SPIRITUAL YEAR SEMINARY, EKPOMA, EDO STATE 21ST-23RD AUGUST, 2014. INTRODUCTION; We members of the Executive Council and participants at the just concluded 7th Annual Conference of the National Catholic Liturgical Music Council (NACALIMCO) which held jointly at the Bother Roman Center and St. John of the Cross Spiritual Year Seminary, Ekpoma in Uromi Diocese, Edo State from the 21st-23rd August,2014 under the auspices of the Benin Provincial Catholic liturgical Music Council (PROCALIMCO) deliberated on the theme: “Enter his gate with Thanksgiving and His Court with Praise” Psalm 100:4 We were blessed with the presence and contributions of the Diocesan Administrator, Resource persons which included Priest chaplains and numerous Music Directors, Choirmasters who are experts in different aspects of Catholic Liturgical Music. Having considered some of the recurring deviations rampant in the rendering of Catholic Liturgical Music in Nigeria, we offer the following as a message and resolution to the catholic faithful, especially Catholic choristers and all those responsible for the performance of liturgical music in the catholic church in Nigeria. 1. That in keeping with the directive of the church as contained in her official document (Sacrosanctum Concelum/Musica Sacram), which encourages full active and conscious participation at liturgies by all, Music Directors/ Choirmasters must select songs that are in tune with the theme of the liturgy, theological, popular and simple for the worshipping congregation to participate with ease. We recommend that the introduction of new songs at liturgical celebrations if necessary should be very minimal, not exceeding 10% of the total number of songs selected for a particular liturgy. 2. That, choristers should avoid mixing the rendering of devotional songs (Song to Mary, Saints, etc) along with Eucharistic songs at Mass except where it is specifically necessary and required. It was pointed out that while devotional songs largely expresses the sentiments of devotees, such songs do not reflect nor enhance the collective intention of the faithful who gather to worship God through the Son in the holy Spirit at Mass. 3. That it is inappropriate to sing ‘choruses’ during Eucharistic Offertory and reception of the Holy Communion as these are sacred and solemn moments of the Mass. Offertory Songs are irreplaceable! Therefore, only designated offertory/communion songs should be taken. Choruses are accepted during multiple thanksgiving and recession, provided such choruses express the sentiments of the action taking place (thanksgiving) and the theme of the liturgy. 4. That Music Directors/Choirmasters who direct songs at liturgical functions have the special responsibility to select songs for the liturgy with the approval of the Presiding Priest. It is therefore NOT appropriate for individuals or groups to spontaneously intone their preferred thanksgiving songs without first, liaising with the Music Director/Choirmaster or the officiating Priest. 5. That where indigenous songs are required, Music Directors/Choirmasters should strive to include more of such songs that are indigenous to the immediate worshipping community during liturgical celebration to heighten their meaningful and active participation. 6. That, Choristers should realize that every liturgical song is meant to aid an action in the liturgy. Such song is expected to stop immediately the action ends except when allowed by the officiating minister. 7. That choristers should at all times see themselves as ministers of God on a physical and sacred responsibility. Therefore, they must endeavor to live a life of holiness. Choristers should also strive to be the first beneficiaries of the spiritual benefits inherent in the songs they render. 8. That all newly composed songs should be sent to the appropriate music commission of the various Dioceses for approval before they are rendered at mass and competitions. This is necessary to avoid circulation of non-liturgical and non-theological songs at mass. 9. That the positions of the Choir-Chairman and Choirmaster in a choir are necessary and distinct offices. That while the Choir-Chairman is in charge of all administrative functions, the Choirmaster is fully responsible for all technical (musical) functions of the choir. When these duties are clearly understood and adhered to, the likelihood of infringements in each other’s responsibilities will be avoided. We urge Choristers who occupy these positions to humbly apply the principle of complimentarity by working together in harmony for the overall, smooth running of the choir. 10. That all Provinces should start preparation in earnest for Proposed choral carnival in Kaduna to be organized by the CBCN through NACALIMCO in November, 2014. A committee to be supervised by the National Chaplain has been constituted for this purpose. 11. That the draft Constitution of NACALIMCO will be ratified at the next Council Meeting in Kaduna on October 2014. 12. That Abuja province has been designated to host the next national conference of NACALIMCO. Signed REV. FR. MOSES IYARA (OSA) NATIONAL CHAPLAIN REV. FR. GEORGE ABA NATIONAL COORDINATOR ANIEMEKE HYACINTH NATIONAL SECRETARY
Posted on: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 11:36:18 +0000
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