RELIGIOUS SONG AND A LITURGICAL SONG – WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE ?

WHAT IS A RELIGIOUS SONG:

A religious song is any song that expresses faith, devotion, prayer, inspiration, or love for God.

It may speak about Jesus, Mary, the Saints, Christian life, or personal spiritual experiences.

Religious songs can be used in prayer meetings, retreats, recollections, concerts, evangelisation activities, and personal devotion.

However, not all religious songs are suitable for the Sacred Liturgy because The Mass has its own purpose, structure, and liturgical norms.

Examples: Worship songs, praise songs, inspirational Christian music like Who am I, Power of Your love, I offer my life, People Need the Lord, Thank You Lord (Don Moen), Give thanks etc.

WHAT IS A LITURGICAL HYMN

A liturgical HYMN is a Sacred song specifically intended and approved for use in the Sacred Liturgy, especially during the Holy Mass and other official worship celebrations of the Church.

It must:

• correspond to the liturgical action or part of the Mass,
• reflect Anglican Catholic doctrine faithfully,
• follow the spirit of the liturgical season or feast,
• help the assembly participate actively in worship,
• and direct attention to Jesus Christ and the mystery being celebrated, not merely to personal emotions.

Liturgical music is not simply “music sung during Mass”; it is music that serves the liturgy itself.

Examples: Gospel Acclamation, Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation, Amen, Lamb of God, etc.

SIMPLE DIFFERENCE:

RELIGIOUS SONGS

• Can be used for personal devotion or gatherings
• May focus on personal feelings or experiences
• Not always suitable for Holy Mass
• Can be sung anywhere

LITURGICAL SONG

• Specifically intended for the Sacred Liturgy
• Focuses on the Liturgical action and the Paschal Mystery
• Suitable and approved for Liturgical worship – also known as consecrated hymns
• Must serve the prayer of the Church during worship

IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE

Every liturgical song is religious, but not every religious song is liturgical.

Cecil K. Dewars

SOURCES AND REFERENCES

1. General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), nos. 39–41, 47–48.
2. Sacrosanctum Concilium, nos. 112–121.
3. Musicam Sacram (1967), Sacred Congregation of Rites.
4. United States Conference of Bishops, Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship (2007).
5. Pope Benedict XVI, teachings on Sacred music and Liturgy in The Spirit of the Liturgy.