The Thomistic Institute Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Canticles: Gregorian Chant and the Joy of the Gospel – Fr. Innocent Smith, O.P.
Oct 21, 2025
Fr. Innocent Smith, O.P., an Assistant Professor of Theology at Notre Dame and a Dominican priest, explores the profound impact of Gregorian chant on Christian spirituality. He discusses how psalms, hymns, and canticles shape worship and personal faith. The connection between the Psalter and human emotion is highlighted, along with St. Thomas Aquinas's take on chant's role in the Mass. Fr. Innocent also explains how various chants express joy, contrition, and the essence of Eucharistic praise, enriching the faithful's musical experience.
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Psalms As The Church's Heartbeat
- The Psalms, hymns, and spiritual canticles shape Christian worship and touch the depths of human emotion.
- Fr. Innocent Smith argues they form the core language by which the Church orders life to God.
Chant Shapes Liturgical Solemnity
- Thomas Aquinas links chant and solemnity to help worshippers enter the mystery of the Mass.
- Chant serves to deepen devotion and reveal the meaning of the Eucharist, not merely ornament it.
Chants Communicate Spiritual Meaning
- Different chants denote different spiritual states: the gradual signifies progress while the Alleluia denotes joy.
- In penitential times the tract replaces Alleluia to express spiritual sighing and sorrow.
