Music has long played an important role in the life of the Church, especially in proclaiming, praying, and responding to the Word of God. The bishops who gathered at the Second Vatican Council recognized the intimate connection between word and music, declaring that the Church’s musical tradition is of preeminent value because “as a combination of sacred music and words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy”.

Music is a powerful language for the proclamation of the Word of God, but it is also a potent form of expression for the community to pray from the Scriptures. During his visit to France in September 2008, Pope Benedict XVI noted that “for prayer that issues from the word of God, speech is not enough: music is required”.