Pater Noster

Pater Noster is Latin for Our Father. Contrary to what many people believe, the Second Vatican Council and subsequent Church teaching did not do away with Gregorian chant or use of the Latin language at Mass.  In the constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium (1963), the Council Fathers stated that “the use of the Latin language is to be preserved” (SC 36.1) and that Gregorian chant is specially suited to the Roman liturgy and “should be given pride of place in liturgical services” (SC 116.)  Subsequent Church teaching has confirmed this and has encouraged all the faithful to learn and pray the Gregorian chants for the Ordinary of the Mass (the parts that are the same each day). 

From the start of his pontificate, Pope Leo the XIV has led the faithful gathered in Rome in singing these chants.  He has done so from memory and with a beautiful voice.  One of the many reasons why we should learn some of the Mass parts in Latin is so that when we gather with other Catholics from different parts of the world, we can pray with one voice.

Inspired by Pope Leo, the Pontifical Institute for Sacred Music has created tutorial videos to help people learn how to sing the Gregorian chants.  These are the most helpful videos I have ever seen, and if you spend a little time with them, you will be able to sing these or at least gain familiarity with them and appreciate their beauty.  Below is the tutorial video on the Pater Noster.  We will, from time to time, sing the Pater Noster at our Sunday Masses.