His Excellency Bishop Joseph Perry's Remarks at the 2025 Patrons of Sacred Music Reception

Thank you, one and all, for your various roles with the gift of sacred music in the Church’s program of worship. At this moment in history, having witnessed and suffered cultural deconstruction in some broad strokes of life, many voices of reason are bringing forward a revisit of our musical patrimony in Catholic worship, only because God deserves the gift of our very best. Erudite composers and musicians of tradition have always been aware of this.

Musicians of the St. Cecilia Choir performing

Sacred music, of course, elevates the Church’s prayer to a higher level of our converse with God. And God has always responded by inspiring creative talent in composers and musicians, where sacred dialogue can continue between the soul of man and his Creator. For what the Lord left us as a memorial of his redemptive sacrifice on our behalf, music aids us in praying the rich texts of the Mass and other public prayer contexts in graced form.

Sacred Music, therefore, is prayer and not just ornamentation to the Liturgy. Sacred music fosters that solemnity our hearts and souls crave, consistent with the nature of the human approach to deity over many millennia.

His Excellency Bishop Joseph Perry reads his remarks to the evening's guests

In all things, sacred music and song are in praise of Almighty God. And thankfully, we have musical artists and admirers and benefactors such as yourselves, to use the words of the late Pope Benedict XVI, representing a rich patrimony of faith and love. Thank you and bless you!

Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous deeds. Make music to Him upon the harp and make a melodious song.

Sing to the Lord, bless His holy Name! Lord, we offer you the gift of our lives; to do so brings you peace and joy. Bless our efforts. Help us to approach your mysteries with renewed lives of faith and hope.