The Jubilee events are coming to an end, and this past Sunday, the celebration of the second-to-last Jubilee of this year took place: the Jubilee of Choirs and Chorales.
Thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican to participate in the Mass presided over by Pope Leo XIV.
Coinciding with the celebration of the Solemnity of Christ the King, the pontiff explained what singing means for Christians.
POPE LEO XIV
For the People of God, singing expresses invocation and praise; it is the “new song” that the Risen Christ lifts up to the Father, making all the baptized partakers in it, as one single body animated by the new life of the Spirit.
Pope Leo XIV used the metaphor of the family and the choir, clarifying that these groups also represent what the Church itself means.
POPE LEO XIV
We can say that the choir is, in a way, a symbol of the Church which, oriented toward its goal, journeys through history praising God. Even though this path is at times full of difficulties and trials, and moments of joy alternate with those of greater fatigue, singing makes the journey lighter, offering relief and comfort.
And it is no coincidence that this Jubilee was celebrated precisely this weekend: on Saturday, November 22, the Church celebrated the Solemnity of Saint Cecilia, the universal patron of music.
POPE LEO XIV
I entrust you all to the protection of Saint Cecilia, the virgin and martyr who, here in Rome, raised with her life the most beautiful song of love, giving herself completely to Christ and offering the Church her radiant testimony of faith and love. Let us continue singing and let us make our own, once again, the invitation of today’s responsorial psalm: “Let us go with joy to meet the Lord.”
With this celebration, only one final Jubilee remains in this Holy Year: the Jubilee of prisoners, which will take place on December 14.
