Music during Papal Pilgrimages to the Cracow Archdiocese (1979–2006)

Abstract

During all papal pilgrimages – of John Paul II and of Benedict XVI  to the Cracow Archdiocese -  people responsible for liturgical music of these events were invariably aware – as it is proved in this paper – that the role of music was to serve liturgy, to lead the prayers of God’s people congregated before the Pope. Therefore, they seemed to fulfill all the Church prescripts on sacred music specifying that by the union of voices, minds are more easily raised to heavenly things by the beauty of the sacred rites, and the whole celebration more clearly prefigures that heavenly liturgy which is enacted in the holy city of Jerusalem (MS 5). It is then significant to emphasise a great concern given to liturgical music  during the mentioned events. Papal pilgrimages were an inspiration to create new compositions, some of them of immense and considerable value, e.g.: Beatus Vir by Henryk Mikołaj Górecki, Hymn uwielbienia [Hymn of Adoration]by Juliusz Łuciuk or Tu es Petrus by Henryk Jan Botor. Amongst the other - lesser, yet not less important compositions, were invocations to the Blessed and the Saints, composed mostly by Irena Pffeifer and Marian Machura, or the chants composed to the texts of Marek Skwarnicki. There were also new thoughts and ideas, e.g. of Piotr Pałka. The new compositions invariably enriched and ornamented papal liturgies, being even introduced into the canon of liturgical chants of the Church. It should be mentioned here that these compositions also complied with the prescriptions of the Church in this matter: Composers, filled with the Christian spirit, should feel that their vocation is to cultivate sacred music and increase its store of treasures.Let them produce compositions which have the qualities proper to genuine sacred music, not confining themselves to works which can be sung only by large choirs, but providing also for the needs of small choirs and for the active participation of the entire assembly of the faithful. (SC 121) Another conclusion which might be drawn from this paper is the utmost care with which choirs and orchestras were selected for the events. It should be noted that the choirs and orchestras invited to papal liturgies in Cracow and in the Cracow Archdiocese  were always of highest standard, the choirs daily active in the parish churches of Cracow and the Archdiocese. Amongst them are:  The Choir and Orchestra of the Cracow Philharmonic, the Choir of the Polish Radio of Cracow, choir Psalmodia of the John Paul II University in Cracow, the Organum academic choir, the Mariański Choir from the NMP Lourdes Parish Church in Cracow, Schola Cantorum Cracoviensis from the Collegiate Church of St.Ann, the Cathedral Choir and the Cecilian Choir, Dominanta Choir from the University of Economics, as well as many other music groups, also those already mentioned. The liturgies were accompanied by brass, symphonic and chamber orchestras, as well as by youth bands. Also here it seems appropriate to quote the relevant document with the fully complied precept: during the liturgy of the Holy Mass it is prescribed to perform the old and the new polyphonic music in Latin and in the Polish language, however, in  such a manner so as not to exclude the faithful from participation in singing. The polyphonic music, especially this composed  by the old masters, is regarded by the Church as inestimable treasure and cultural heritage (IEP 18). In the music setting for papal pilgrimages an equally vital element was the sound of pipe organ whose role was to make the celebrations of the holy rites more beautiful, grand and also fruitful. The organ players of the events in question were the most renowned Cracow organists: Michał Woźny, Marian Machura, Mieczysław Tuleja, Witold Zalewski, Wiesław Delimat, Krzysztof Michałek, Henryk Jan Botor, Jan Rybarski and many others. It could not be otherwise as the Vatican Constitution on Liturgy clearly specifies that: In the Latin Church the pipe organ is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church's ceremonies and powerfully lifts up man's mind to God and to higher things (SC 120). And although the pipe organs were only played in churches and at the Cracow Bishop Chapel, the masters of the organ also in the so called field conditions of papal pilgrimages used their master skills to glorify God and serve to the congregated faithful. Finally, the chants sung by the congregated people should be brought upon. These chants were first collected in song books available for pilgrimages. Each liturgy was arranged in such a way so that the faithful could participate, not remain mere listeners. The chants were adjusted to the order of the Mass Service, carefully selected from those well known to enable the congregated people to participate most actively in prayers. It was entailed by the post Vatican II way of thinking: One cannot find anything more religious and more joyful in sacred celebrations than a whole congregation expressing its faith and devotion in song. Therefore the active participation of the whole people, which is shown in singing, is to be carefully promoted as follows (MS 16). In the whole presentation of liturgical music during papal pilgrimages to the Cracow Archdiocese, a very important thing is to focus on a great care for quality, beauty and the prayer-like character of it. Perhaps it was noticed indeed by Pope Benedict XVI himself, when upon finishing the Mass Service on the Cracow Błonia Fields in 2006, he commented that liturgy was beautiful and liturgical music as well. Could there be any better words of esteem for those who had arranged it? It goes without saying that all people who prepared scholas, choirs, supervised and trained instrumental bands, orchestras, who played the organ, who conducted common singing, composed and wrote music notes during all papal pilgrimages deserve highest praise and particular gratefulness. Many years have passed since 1979, some of those people are no longer living, some are long retired, the others are still active in the matters of Church music of the Cracow Archdiocese. They all deserve recognition. This monograph is to commemorate all those people and their immense work. We thank God for them; may He be praised in all their music created for the benefit of papal pilgrimages in the Cracow Archdiocese. Let us finish with probably the most relevant citation from St. Luke: We are unworthy servants;we have only done what was our duty. (Luke 17:10).