The Catholic Church in Vietnam gathered clergy, musicians, and liturgical leaders on May 6 for its 54th Sacred Music Workshop, focusing on the role of music and song in enhancing the beauty of the liturgy.
Organized by the Sacred Music Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Vietnam, the event took place at the Pastoral Center of the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City and drew participants from across the country, including representatives from 27 dioceses, seminaries, and religious congregations.
Bishop Pierre Kiều Công Tùng of Phát Diệm led the main presentation, offering a structured reflection on sacred music’s theological and pastoral dimensions.
His talk explored four key areas: the song of praise of the faithful, the ministerial role of choirs, active participation in liturgical celebrations, and the preservation and promotion of liturgical beauty.
The workshop emphasized that sacred music is not simply an artistic expression, but a vital element of Catholic worship.
Choirs were recognized as playing a distinct ministerial role, guiding congregational singing and contributing to the spiritual depth of liturgical rites.
Practical points were also raised, such as appropriate song choices for different parts of the Mass, the integration of silence in liturgy, and pastoral considerations for multilingual communities.
Liturgical musicians and choir leaders were reminded of the importance of formation in both musical skills and liturgical understanding.
Organists were advised to accompany reverently without overpowering the liturgical action, and choir placement within churches was also discussed to ensure harmony with the celebration.
The session concluded with remarks from Bishop Aloisiô Nguyễn Hùng Vị, chair of the Sacred Music Commission, who confirmed that the 55th Sacred Music Workshop will take place on October 14.
