What words fail to express, music can readily convey from the deepest recesses of our hearts. This is particularly true of the Gregorian Chant. From days of yore, singing Psalms and praises to God were acclaimed ways of offering the Triune God the perfect worship He is worthy of. The Church has always delighted itself in composing hymns to express its profound love for Him. In this discourse, let’s explore the supremacy and the unique attribute of the Gregorian Chant in evoking the strong sentiments of the listeners / singers towards the one true God.
What is Gregorian Chant?
Traditionally sung be choirs or religious orders, the Gregorian Chant is a sacred, monophonic (performed by a single singer or played with a single instrument without accompanying harmony or chords) liturgical song in Latin of the Roman Catholic Church. Although there are differing views as regards its roots, it is widely believed that Pope Gregory I (also known as St. Gregory the great) invented the eponymous Gregorian chant. Said to have accompanied the text of the mass and the canonical hours or divine office, it was during his papacy (590 – 604) that it was collected and codified.
The striking beauty of the Gregorian chant
The Gregorian chant draws its beauty from the Sacred Scriptures it employs. The human voice is the primary instrument of the Liturgy. It stretches out the words enabling the listener to meditate on the ‘Word’ that is proclaimed. It is not entertaining or over stimulating but throughout a prayerful cadence is maintained and this rhythm is modulated by words rather than by the beats.
Health benefits of the Gregorian Chant
Studies since the mid-90s have shown that it helps improve speech fluency of stroke victims and has a vital role in positively impacting the central nervous system. Its influence on the cortex of the brain is significant as it reduces the number of hours of sleep one needs to function well. Other benefits include a well regulated cardiac system and an enhanced neuro-communication between left and right hemispheres. Dr. Alan Watkins, a neuroscientist at Imperial college of London, has shown that the Gregorian chant can lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety and depression.
It’s power over demons
As the chants are essentially singing or chanting of Psalms from the Bible, the demons feel revulsive on hearing them. In Samuel 16:23, we see that when King Saul suffers a demonic attack, David plays the harp and sings Psalms and consequently the evil spirit is expelled from him. Another anecdote from the life of St Padre Pio describes an occasion when St Padre Pio is physically attacked by a demon. He calls on his guardian angel for help, and immediately his guardian angel comes flying around singing and the demon is chased away.
Renowned exorcist Fr. Chad Ripperger mentions how when exorcism sessions protract for any length of time, the exorcists play the Gregorian chant in the background as it is very bothersome to demons which are forced to flee. That it is sung in Latin (the official language of the Church) is also another detestable fact for the demons.
Going back to the tradition of listening to the proper Gregorian chant (and not any modern chant) can help renew our spiritual life. It can help us focus our minds on God and on the liturgy putting us on the path of holiness. A perusal of the documents of Vatican II reveals that the Gregorian chant was never abolished but promoted. Although Vatican II allows believers to use other music particularly sacred polyphony for worship, it reaffirms that the Gregorian chant is still the official music of the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church and is most suitable for worship in the Roman Liturgy. As such, it can be stated that the Gregorian chant is a sublime model for sacred music which lifts up the mind, body and soul of the creature towards his Creator.
Immerse yourself into a world of heightened spirituality listening to some of the most popular Gregorian chants – Dies Irae, Salve Regina, Victimae Paschali laudes, Veni Sancte Spiritus, Ave Maria, Deum Verum, Crux Fideles and more.
