VATICAN - Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music called by Pope Benedict XVI to contribute to “an ‘aggiornamento’ suited to our times of the precious traditions of which sacred music is rich”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “I have come gladly to see the completely renovated didactic see of the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music. My visit inaugurates and blesses the major work of restoration undertaken in recent years” Pope Benedict XVI said when he visited on October 13 the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music where he was welcomed by the Grand Chancellor Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, the Rector Mgr. Valentín Miserachs Grau, docents and students, as well as benefactors and guests.
As the Holy Father recalled, the work of renovation undertaken by the Holy See thanks to many benefactors, involved the didactic see and the academic see, at Palazzo dell'Apollinare, as well as a large organ given to Pope Pius XI by M.me Justine Ward in 1932. Congratulating the “the academic corps, united with the Rector, on its activity carried out with a sense of responsibility and appreciated expertise”, Benedict XVI recalled the imminent centenary of the Institute's foundation by Saint Pope Pius X in 1911. “Numerous students, who come here from all over the world to be formed the discipline of sacred, are then formators in their respective local Churches- the Holy Father said -. And how many there have been in almost a century! I am happy to send affectionate greetings to someone who in his splendid longevity, represents , in a way, the ‘historic memory' of the Institute and embodies the many others who have worked here: Maestro Mons. Domenico Bartolucci.”
The Pontiff then recalled how Vatican II described Sacred Music “a treasure of inestimable value”, and the three characteristics indicated by John Paul II to distinguish liturgical sacred music: holiness, authentic art, universality, it can be proposed to all peoples and all kinds of assemblies. Benedict XVI continued: “In view of this, the ecclesiastical authorities should strive to carefully orient the development of such a demanding type of music, not ‘congealing ’ the treasure, but seeking to insert the heritage of the past in the valid new music of the present to reach a synthesis worthy of its high mission in divine service. I am certain the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music, in harmony with the Congregation for Divine Worship will not fail to offer its contribution for an ‘aggiornamento’ suited to our times of the precious traditions of which sacred music is rich.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 15/10/2007, righe 29, parole 416)