The first-ever Catholic Music Awards took place at the Vatican, celebrating talented artists in Catholic music. The event, also known as the 'Catholic Grammys,' aimed to promote and recognize excellence in Catholic music. Winners were selected across 19 categories in four languages: Spanish, English, Italian, and Portuguese. The event was held at the Auditorium Conciliazione and broadcast live on social media. Cardinal Óscar Rodríguez Maradiaga praised the organization and highlighted music's role in evangelization.
5 months ago
The first-ever Catholic Music Awards, often dubbed the "Catholic Grammys," were successfully held on Sunday, July 27, at Rome's Auditorium Conciliazione 1, marking a historic global event in the Catholic music world 1 3 4. This international gathering aimed to promote, encourage, and recognize the talent of Catholic singers, celebrating faith and honoring artists who evangelize through music 3 4.
The awards were requested by Cardinal Óscar Rodríguez Maradiaga and organized by the Ramón Pané Foundation and Fraternity 1. The event celebrated excellence in Catholic music across four languages: Spanish, English, Italian, and Portuguese 1 3 4. Finalists were evaluated by an international jury of over 60 experts based on content, artistic value, and technical professionalism 3 4.
Pope Leo XIV greeted and blessed the participating singers during his midday Angelus address 1. Cardinal Rodríguez Maradiaga delivered a message praising the organization and highlighting music's essential role in evangelization, stating that "Catholic music touches the heart and brings us closer to the love of Christ" 1. He also blessed Catholic musicians worldwide, encouraging them to continue sharing their gifts joyfully and humbly 1. In a symbolic gesture, Cardinal Maradiaga presented Pope Leo XIV with a commemorative statue, recalling Saint Augustine's wisdom: "He who sings prays twice" 1.
The ceremony featured honorary recognitions for artistic legacy, presented to renowned figures such as Andrea Boccelli, Maestro Alejandro Mejía Pereda, Monsignor Marco Frisina, Martín Valverde, and Matt Maher, who also performed 1. The evening commenced with a performance by the group Gen Verde, followed by a variety of live musical acts interspersed with the awards, fostering an atmosphere of prayer, joy, and global communion 1.
Winners were chosen across 19 categories in each of the four languages 3 4. Among the notable English category winners were Luciano Lamonarca for Best Male Singer, recognized for "The Song of Saint Pio," a piece composed in gratitude for St. Pio's intercession in the birth of his son 3 4. Nathali Paredes Lozano, an anchor for EWTN Noticias, won Best Praise-Worship Song in the Spanish category for "Te Pertenezco," a song dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Eucharistic worship 3 4. The Italian band The Sun, whose lead singer Francesco Lorenzi is known for his conversion story and was awarded the Pontifical Medal by Pope Francis, won for Best Italian Catholic Band 3 4.
Brother Ricardo Grzona, Executive President of the Ramón Pané Foundation, expressed gratitude for the over 1,400 song submissions and the positive global response 1. Given the overwhelming success of this inaugural edition, Cardinal Óscar Rodríguez Maradiaga has requested that the event continue every two or three years 1.
How does sacred music serve the Church's mission?
Sacred music serves the Church's mission in several profound ways, primarily by enhancing the liturgy, fostering the spiritual growth of the faithful, and acting as a bridge to those outside the Church.
Sacred music is considered a treasure of inestimable value within the Church's tradition, holding a pre-eminent place among the arts because it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy , . It is not merely an adornment but is deeply connected with the liturgical action, adding delight to prayer, fostering unity, and conferring greater solemnity upon sacred rites . The Church's musical tradition, developed over centuries across various cultures, expresses the truth of the mystery celebrated in the liturgy .
Pope Pius XII emphasized that the dignity and purpose of sacred music lie in its ability to beautify the voices of the priest and the Christian people, lifting the minds of the faithful to God and making liturgical prayers more fervent . This active participation in divine worship, where the faithful join their voices with the priest and choir, is seen as essential for a deeper appreciation of the liturgy .
Sacred music plays a crucial role in the sanctification of the faithful and the glory of God , . It encourages communion with the Trinity when it serves as a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence and action . The beauty inherent in sacred music invites prayer and contemplation of divine mysteries, leading to a deeper spiritual experience .
Different forms of sacred music contribute to this spiritual fostering:
The use of various musical resources, including Gregorian chant, classical and contemporary polyphony, popular hymns, and instrumental music, contributes to fervent and high-quality liturgical celebrations, uniting hearts in faith and charity across diverse languages and cultures .
Beyond its liturgical function, religious music also serves as a means of evangelization by building bridges between the message of salvation and those who, while not yet fully accepting Christ, are sensitive to beauty . As Pope John Paul II stated, "beauty is a key to the mystery and a call to transcendence," enabling fruitful dialogue . This cultural richness, expressing values linked to biblical revelation, the life of Christ and the saints, and the mysteries of life and death, can draw people closer to the Christian message .
In summary, sacred music is fundamental to the Church's mission by being an integral part of the liturgy, elevating worship, uniting the faithful in prayer and praise, and serving as an avenue for evangelization through its inherent beauty and spiritual depth.