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Show SINGING IN CATHOLIC CHURCHES. A dispatch this morning from Rome mentions a denial by the Vatican authorities au-thorities that they had received objections objec-tions from the American archbishops stating the impossibility of enforcing the Papal decree providing for the restoration of tho Gregorian chant and the banishment of women from the church choirs. It is explained in addition addi-tion that the decree did not demand the exclusive use of the Gregorian chant, nor forbid congregational singing, sing-ing, which would of course Include female fe-male voices. The understanding as to thc latter has been that the stated choirs should not include women, and that women mnsr not be the nolotsta or apeclal singers. This is a return to the traditional attitude atti-tude of thc church in this matter and a condemnation of modern innovations. The Papal decree enjoining it caused considerable anxiety In this country, tho inclination among the Catholic archbishops arch-bishops here being to consider the decree de-cree more in the nature of an administrative adminis-trative than a mendatory character; that is, to be carried out where practical, prac-tical, and where not, to do the best that could be done In the meantime. Thus, at a recent meeting In Washington, Wash-ington, the action was taken which Is referred to in the dispatch above inferred in-ferred to. The conclusion of the Catholic Catho-lic archbishops, as reported, was that it would be practically impossible to restore re-store the Grecorlan chant and banish women from the choirs of the Catholic churcheo in this country. It Is this conclusion, con-clusion, as reported, which thc Vatican Vati-can authorities deny having received. And no doubt they arc right, (or while the conclusion of the archbishops might mean practically that, and probably did, tho opinion would be formulated in altogether different, language. Indeed, Cardinal Gibbons did put it quite differently when hta attention was drawn to the report of the conclusions of the archbishops. He explains thc position of these dignitaries in this diplomatic dip-lomatic form: "The letter of the Pope was carefully considered; attention was called to thc prudent toleration of the Holy Father, who. while giving special approvement and encouragement to thc use of the Gregorian chant wherever practicable, Is far from Insisting on It exclusively, but dwells at length on tho excellence of the sacred composition of the school of Talcstrlna and praises likewise such works of modern music ns have In like manner aimed at expressing ex-pressing the divine worship In a religious relig-ious and worthy manner. It was also hoted that, while encouraging the formation for-mation of male choirs he (the Pope) does not condemn congregational singing sing-ing of divine services In which the voices of women ar Included. It was urged that measured should everywhere be taken to comply as far as possible with the commands of tho Holy Father." That is, freedom of action is Insisted upon where literal compliance cannot be had. It is a significant sign of tho independent action joined to tho submissive sub-missive protestation. It Is this sort of thing that the hide-bound bigots of thc Old World Inveigh ngalnst us American Ameri-can Insubordination; but those who object ob-ject to It do so blindly, and without In the least realizing the conditions In and surrounding the Catholic church In America. |
