2024

Theme: Sursum Corda: Lifting Up Our Hearts in a Time of Crisis

John Sharpe — Redeeming the Time: Living the Liturgy Through the Music of St. Gregory

In this talk geared toward enkindling interest in the Church’s sacred Liturgy, Commander John Sharpe, retired Naval officer, publisher, and schola director, argues that, as Catholics, our “pop culture” should consist of the chants and liturgical music of Holy Mother Church. “Modern pop music,” he says, “is like a drug that gives you a high without any intellectual effort or engagement.” Real music is intellectually wholesome and spiritually nourishing. “If you do not like Gregorian chant,” Commander Sharpe says, “it is not because you have no taste. It is because your taste is not formed.” All music-lovers will appreciate the insights of this presentation.