by Sr Fidelis    

Learning about Gregorian Chant

What is it about Gregorian Chant that is so satisfying to the soul?  I have often thought about it.  It certainly wasn’t part of my background, having been raised a Protestant. In fact it wasn’t until I’d become a sister at the Community of Jesus, that we were introduced to this new prayer language. Now, thirty-some years later, Gregorian Chant is one of the main pillars of our spiritual life (along with the Eucharist). Back to my first question….I believe it’s the rhythm of the Divine Office that brings healing and peace to our souls….the rhythm of the psalmody as it is passed from side to side; the rhythm of the silence before the service begins, and after the Reading…a time of expectant waiting and listening.  But more about that later……

The sacred universe into which Gregorian chant introduces us is the world of prayer – or, if you prefer, of union with God, which is the ultimate goal of prayer.
                      Dom Jacques Hourlier – Reflections on the Spirituality of Gregorian Chant