"Did you know that the Pope addressed the youth and seminarians?"

            Did you know that the Pope addressed the youth and seminarians? He did it on Saturday, April 19, 2008 at St. Joseph's Seminary (Dunwoodie), New York. He talked about many things such as vocations, how to live as a disciple of Christ, and especially silence. The Pope spoke about silence in the following words:

                “What matters most is that you develop your personal relationship with God. That relationship is expressed in prayer. God by his very nature speaks, hears, and replies.

            There is another aspect of prayer which we need to remember: silent contemplation. Have we perhaps lost something of the art of listening? Do you leave space to hear God's whisper, calling you forth into goodness? Friends, do not be afraid of silence or stillness, listen to God, adore him in the Eucharist. Let his word shape your journey as an unfolding of holiness.”

            Silence should have a key role in our lives; and one of the best ways that I found it was though music. “Music contributes to spiritual joy and delight of the soul” (Musicae Sacre). Music is so sublime, that the church even has it own sacred music: Gregorian chant. I know, I know “Why should I bother listening to if I don’t even understand it?” No problem, Thomas Aquinas has a solution for us: “If some of them understand not what is sung, yet they understand why it is sung, namely, for God's glory: this is enough to arouse their devotion” (Summa Theoligica, question 91, article 2, Reply to Objection 5).

           Start where is best: Gregorian chant. From listening it you can evaluate what music is good to listen to and what is not. This does not mean that you have to have it as you’re only option; otherwise you would go crazy! Some music, say Celtic/ Irish music, (which I enjoy very much) is nice just to have around; others such as classical are very soothing. I’m sure these recommendations will help you with silence, but you have to start now!