CATHOLIC CHOIRS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11538, 24 November 1900, Page 5 (Supplement)

CATHOLIC CHOIRS.

EFFECT OF VATICAN DECREE AS TO FEED SINGERS. During the last few years the practice of engaging ladies to sing in choirs has gradually spread in England, and at the present time the solos are frequently sung by wellknown professionals. This is particularly the case in America, where the Church authorities have found these singers highly remunerative, notwithstanding their heavy fees. The practice does not meet with the approval of the Vatican, and a peremptory decree has been promulgated forbidding it, at least in England. An Express representative visited several churches to ask how the decree would affect them. He was informed that no ladies were engaged in the diocese of Westminster, but in Southwark it was quite a common custom. The ladies, however, give their services gratuitously, so that their presence in the choir causes no additional expense.' When once the decree is promulgated in the Tablet, it must be obeyed throughout England, but until this is done the present order of things will continue. On the Continent prominent singers are frequently engaged for special occasions, such as marriages, funerals, or charity sermons; but ladies do not take part in the services regularly. i American Catholics will, of course, go on the even tenor of their way until the decree is made to apply to them by being published by their own bishops.. .