Does Gregorian Chant have pride of place in the liturgy after Vatican II?
Yes, according to the Second Vatican Council. More accurately, however, the Council said, “Other things being equal, Gregorian Chant should be given pride of place in liturgical services.” These “other things” are all the other concerns that one must also take into account – the structure of the reformed liturgy, the importance of active participation, the value of vernacular languages, the cultural context of the worshiping community, the customs and traditions of that community, the musical abilities of the singers, the ability of the worshipers to unite themselves to Christ’s paschal sacrifice by means of Gregorian Chant, and so forth. The Second Vatican Council strongly affirmed the value of Gregorian Chant and certainly intended that it continue to be sung by congregations and choirs in the reformed liturgy. But the Council’s statement on the “pride of place” of Gregorian Chant must be understood in the context of all the Council’s teachings, so that this great treasure will be us
