[Question:]{.underline} Is it permissible to sing English hymns during Mass, or can this only be done after Mass?
[Answer:]{.underline} The most complete pre-Vatican II answer to this question is the instruction of September 3, 1958 issued by the Congregation of Rites concerning the practical application to the Liturgy of the Church’s laws relative to sacred music. It is quoted at length in Matters Liturgical. The text concerning vernacular hymns can be found on pages 47 & 48 of the 1959 edition.
First of all, such popular religious hymns “are greatly to be commended and esteemed, since they constitute a most effective means in directing the minds of the faithful to heavenly things and in imbuing the Christian life with a genuine religious spirit.” Strongly to be encouraged for pious exercises, they can only be sung at liturgical functions “when this is expressly permitted”.
English hymns are expressly permitted during a Low Mass, but in general expressly forbidden during a High Mass: “Hymns in the vernacular are permitted at a Low Mass, on condition that their theme corresponds to the part of the Mass at which they are sung”. This means that a theme of sacrifice or offering is retained at the Offertory, of thanksgiving, love of God or any similar theme at Communion time. However, the singing of vernacular hymns at a Sung Mass or Missa Cantata is manifestly an abuse that can only be tolerated when backed up by a long standing custom that has lasted for over a century: “They (hymns in the vernacular) are permitted at a Mass in chant only in the case of a centenary or immemorial custom which in the judgment of the local Ordinary cannot prudently be suppressed…”
Needless to say, this condition is not generally fulfilled in the Society’s chapels, which is why only Latin hymns are sung during a sung or High Mass, English hymns being reserved for the processional and recessional. This stands to reason, since Latin is the liturgical language in the Roman rite, and since these chants are inserted into the liturgy itself, thereby honoring, adoring and praising God according to their place in the liturgy. The Low Mass differs from the High Mass in that the chants are not a part of the liturgical action, there being no ceremony. Such hymns can consequently be permitted as devotional exercises, for the sake of the faithful. Needless to say, it is very commendable to sing Latin hymns during a Low Mass, especially when the faithful are familiar with them. Hymns and chants in this sacred language are particularly effective at elevating souls to God.
Answered by Father Peter Scott, SSPX.