Nigerian archbishop wants respect for African culture during Mass

Published: 2005-10-10

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A Nigerian archbishop was not beating war drums, but his call for greater respect for African music, dance and instruments in the Mass could be seen as fighting words next to calls for more Gregorian chant and organ music. Several members of the Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist echoed the call in the synod's working document for greater use of traditional Catholic music and Latin prayers, especially at Masses with an international congregation, according to information released by the Vatican. But Archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan of Abuja, Nigeria, said Oct. 10 that the church "should rejoice at the wonderful things" the Holy Spirit has brought to the liturgy since the Second Vatican Council. "The Eucharist deserves and is receiving the best of our cultures," he said. The Vatican made portions of his and other texts available to journalists. Africa "may not have much to offer in terms of the glorious architecture of European cathedrals or the fabulous paintings of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. But what we have we are happy to give: our songs and lyrics, our drumming and rhythmic body movements, all to the glory of God," he said.

Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .