I was somewhat surprised to see no reaction to the letter of Penrovius Miles Cambrensis (The Tablet, 26 April) in connection with what he refers to as the "desperately unsingable" new version of the Exultet at the Easter Vigil Mass. For me, it raises three questions.
First, does not the imposition of approved texts and music to the exclusion of other well known texts and chants smack of a new legalism? Surely our God in heaven does not worry about which chants are used so long as He is praised not just by the lips but also by the heart?
Secondly, the anxiety of Penrovius that his parish priest does not get the sack for asking him to sing the Dom Gregory Murray version also hints not only at a new legalism, but also suggests an emerging culture of fear.
Thirdly, is law taking over from love as a sign of the New Covenant? In my experience, this is what drives some good Catholics into the arms of the Pentecostal Churches, with their unrestrained praise and worship in music and action.
Fr Jim Duffy, Herts
I sympathise with Penvronius Miles Cambrensis who, after 20 years of singing the Exultet at the Easter Vigil, was faced this year with the new translation.
He found this translation ”not rhythmically structured and uses some weird words such as ‘underworld’ and ‘domain’” and he realised he could not sing it but was able to use the Dom Gregory Murray version again this year.
One of our Deacons, who was to sing the Exultet this year, had a similar problem – but with the musical setting in the Roman Missal! However, he was given a copy of the Chris Walker setting and was thus able to do it justice – despite the “weird” words!
Though not a trained singer, our deacon was able to bring out the beauty and meaning of the Exultet using a musical setting that is well-structured to the words improving and enhancing the Liturgy. It was well received by our Parish Priest and the congregation who became immersed in the joy of the Easter Proclamation – thanks to Chris Walker (and our Musical Director etc). We commend this setting to others.
Richard Keswick, Downend, Bristol
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