The medieval cathedrals and chapels once resonated with the glorious chants of the Abbots and Monks. Cantate domino canticum novum - Sing to the Lord a new song. The Friars and Monks displayed their salutation to their creator who dwelt in the heavenly realms, where angles joined in adoration. Many opine that it was Pope Gregory who initiated this form of worship. The early church was influenced by the Psalmody of Jewish worship. Over the centuries, owing to many reasons the Latin rite in religious liturgy began to decrease.
Today communication, with mankind or divine being, is done primarily in English, globally. But one must remember that the Latin language is laced with all kinds of emotions. It has endured royalty, gallantry and love. It has suffered mayhem, deceit, conspiracy and murder.
The Latin poets Cicero, Virgil and Tacitus once wrote with vigor. The romance languages of French, Spanish and Italian have their roots in Latin. So does the English language to a certain extent. Some opine that almost sixty percent of English vocabulary was derived indirectly from Latin. Another key element, in my observation for the decrease in Latin chants was the introduction of various instruments, including the majestic pipe organ in European churches that silently subdued the vocal harmony of the monophonic hymns. Using instruments in worship is fine, as seen in the life of the Old Testament King David. Yet his music never overpowered his Psalms, which endure even today.
Gregorian chants were organized in four, eight and twelve modes. The musical motifs were brilliantly woven together through centonization, a process first used by Dom Paolo Ferreti. Multi voice chants were later known as organum. The Ambrosian chant is still used in the chapels of Milan. The ancient theologian Hippolytus bears witness to the use of songs in festive worship. In the 5th century a singing school was established in Rome named Schola Cantorum, which drew potential aspirants.
St. Augustine is credited with using a responsorial psalm, sung at Mass. It is recorded in the Carolingian courts that Pope Adrian 1 had sent a papal sacramentary with Roman chants, on the request of the mighty Charlemagne.
During the 20th Century many folks suddenly took a keen interest in exploring the Gregorian chant, which led to a mild resurgence as the style was also used in some modern musical productions. Notable among this new trend was the music of Enigma, a production of the Romanian- German producer Michael Cretu, who consummated the Gregorian chant with new age music, to the dismay of some. Yet the music did bring about awareness of the chants to a totally new generation.
Ancient Ceylon was also subject to Portuguese influence. It is recorded that during the Anuradhapura Kingdom there was an area of land reserved for Christians to dwell. A ship blown by a ferocious storm landed on our shores at Colombo in November 1505. Her Captain was Laurenco de Almeida. He was given permission by the King of Kotte, to set up a trading station and small chapel. The chapel was dedicated in honour of St. Lawrence.
The priest who came aboard the ship a Franciscan Friar, named Vincente was requested to celebrate Mass, making this the first recorded Catholic Mass in our island. Subsequently our island was influenced by the Dutch and their doctrines of reformation and the British established the Anglican order of worship. Seasons change. Languages and customs change. Vita mutator non tollitur - Life is changed but not destroyed.
It was a bright Saturday morning as I entered the precincts of St. Josephs College, Darley Road. As I approached the chapel I could hear the sounds of an organ. As I drew closer I was able to recognize the choir Director Francis Almeida. The massive stained glass window of the Chapel had captured the sunlight and redirected it in a manner that engulfed the sanctum in a mild glow. Francis Almeida was born into a family of singers. His father Ignatius Almeida was a genius in church worship. Francis was selected as a five year old boy, when his dormant talents were identified. He was trained by Fr.Claver Perera and the amiable Fr. Dominic Candapa a master of the Gregorian chant.
Five decades later Francis Almeida has worked with renewed zeal to pass on this rich heritage of the Latin liturgy to the jubilant boys of St.Josephs.
I spent three hours listening to the senior choir. It was a brilliant rendition of famous Latin hymns, delivered with perfect pronunciation. The boys must be credited for learning the Latin language, as today many in our society struggle to even converse decently in English! Mr.Almeida has taught the boys the deeper meaning of each canticle and hymn, which is reflected in the passion of their singing. Gloria patri Et filio, Et spiritui Sancto! (Glory to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit).Singing Gregorian chants is not easy as singing other hymns. It requires perfect teamwork and voice modulation. The chants were envisaged and written in an era with no sound amplification and electricity. The power of one’s vocal chords had to reach the entire cathedral and yet not overpower the aura of worship. It was wisely opined by St.Augustine when he said ‘He who sings, prays twice as much “
The student choir leader is Akash Perera. The choir receives much support from the young priest in charge Rev.Fr. Sriyantha Ratnasekera.
As the rehearsal continues a fourteen year old chorister Daniel displays his prowess with a magnificent solo, his clear voice penetrating into the stone walls of the chapel. Mr.Almeida explains to me that he received much encouragement and insight from Monsignor. Robert Tyrala, from Poland who is also President of the Pueri Cantores Federation. The Monsignor was in Sri Lanka some time ago as the St.Josephs community along with hundreds of pious devotees celebrated Mass.
Mr.Almeida had chosen the Latin hymns Jesu Redemptor Omnia (Jesus the redeemer of all), the Magnificat (my soul magnifies the Lord) and the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God). Adeste Fideles (O come all ye faithful) is a favourite song during Christmas. In a world induced with digital technology and rapidly changing vogue and customs, upholding the Gregorian chant is a challenge, especially in Sri Lanka. Indeed God can be venerated in any language.
Our daily lives must be a reflection of our adoration to the Almighty, in the manner we interact with others.
We can love others, only if we first receive that sacred love ourselves. Nostalgia is part of the human spirit hence Latin must remain. There must be some initiatives to also propagate the glorious Latin language amongst the Sri Lankans who desire to relish the Gregorian chant, for then they can connect and reflect on the words and be uplifted in spirit.
Other religions also use sacral language - Pali in Buddhism, Sanskrit in Hinduism, Arabic in Islam and Hebrew in Judaism. I am confident that the choir of St.Josephs College along with the dynamic Francis Almeida will remain the true guardians of this sacred style of singing. Uni trinoque domino, sit sempiterna Gloria - to the One and Triune God be glory unending.