As celebrations of national holidays draw near, parishes often field questions about using patriotic songs in liturgy. Many parishioners simply want to know if it’s allowed or not. Is there a rule one can point to that is clearly for or against using patriotic songs in liturgy?
Simple answer: This is not an issue the church’s documents expressly address.
Real answer: One needs to take a journey, both academic and spiritual, to answer the question.
What church documents tell us
Academically, Sacrosanctum Consilium, the General Instruction on the Roman Missal and Sing to the Lord all offer theology, guidance, and rules. They call us to an understanding and appreciation for the importance of music at liturgy. The documents speak of evaluating all the sung parts of the Mass, including hymns. We consider the three judgments: liturgical, pastoral and musical. We carefully assess the lyrics. We reflect on and consider the sacred music we use at liturgy.
The sacred music.
Herein lies a fundamental point in our journey. Sacred music or patriotic music?
Evaluating patriotic songs in liturgy
What is the basic point of patriotic music? Patriotism. Nation. In addition, songs are written not only for love of country in general, but many have a particular history or point of view. Victory in battle is a common one. We ask ourselves, why do we sing these songs? Because we care about our country. But do they all express Christian values? What is the focus of the song?
The intent of patriotic music is to sing of our love of the country, the values of our constitution, and our dreams as Americans. That is not the point of Mass. As disciples of Jesus, we proclaim Christ is our King. God is first in our lives. The readings of the weekend guide our focus. The parts of the Mass give structure to the celebration and proclaim our beliefs as Christians. This is why we gather and what we proclaim in the liturgical gathering.
Some patriotic songs do mention God. However, we need to evaluate how this is used and whether it’s appropriate. Pope Leo has recently reminded us, and apologized for, the Church’s role in slavery. What we find abhorrent now, was accepted in our past. The Church sins — sometimes greatly. The values of our country embodied in some songs have also grown and changed. What we are asking God, upon further reflection, may no longer be suitable. Also, just because a song mentions God does not make it appropriate for our liturgies, even if the context is to be admired. Many secular songs may inspire and support our faith journey but are not appropriate for a liturgical gathering. At Mass, God is the center of our lives and our sung prayer and the values are those of the gospel, not of a particular country.
Our common hymnals may include a section of patriotic songs. However, hymnals are used for many types of gatherings, and a song being included in a hymnal does not presume that it’s meant to be used at liturgy.
What about patriotic songs after Mass?
Can we sing patriotic songs after Mass? As we walk this journey of reflection, the natural question is, “Why would we want to?” Perhaps because we want a blessing for our country, which requires further discussion on how to include blessings and care for country at Mass. Perhaps we like it when lots of voices are raised in a certain song. There may be feelings of nostalgia. There may be memories, dreams, and hopes. But is using a patriotic song in liturgy the time or place? Does our civil community not provide a time for our patriotism? Do we really want to overshadow the beauty of faith with nationalism? The Church has come together for prayer, and one group’s partisanship can never supersede the faith life of the community.
Let us also think about when Mass ends. The Church has made clear statements on the separation of liturgy and devotions. Consider also the Introduction to the Order of Mass: Pastoral Resource of the Committee on Divine Worship (of the USCCB). Paragraph 147 on the Dismissal Rites indicates Mass is not over until the ministers leave. This procession may be accompanied by a song. Mass is over when it’s over.
Ask yourself, on this journey of reflection we’re taking, when you think Mass is over. When you are done singing? When you walk out the doors? When you get home? To add a patriotic song in liturgy following the recessional song probably feels like an addendum to Mass. In this discussion, it’s probably meant to be seen as such.
As this short reflection about patriotic songs in liturgy ends, we are probably left with more questions. The answers remain both academic and spiritual. As we celebrate our country, as we work to live up to the values of a nation we hold dear, let us be guided first by the gospel. May the grace of God remind us where we as country have cared for huddled masses yearning to breathe free. May the light of Christ illuminate the places where love is not found, where laws, policies and practices have not insured life, liberty, and justice for all. May the wisdom of the Spirit, dare us to dream that one day all of God’s children will be able to sing, “Let freedom ring.”
Written by Mary Dumm, D.Min, a founding board member of CLEF and the pastoral associate at St. Blase Church in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Additionally, she teaches at Siena Heights University and SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary.
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