For those of you who may not know already, if you really want to start a knock down, drag out, mud-slinging dust-up among Catholics, start a debate about LITURGY. Nothing draws attention or raises hackles as quickly, and nothing is as central to Benedict's pontificate--or the upcoming papal visit--as the way Mass (and other liturgical services) is celebrated. So it's interesting to see some of the choices for "performers" at the various services. New York certainly grabbed the spotlight by enlisting the first "American Idol," Kelly Clarkson, to sing the "Ave Maria" to His Holiness at a youth service at St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers. (Harry Connick and Jose Feliciano will be performing before the Yankee Stadium mass the next day.) 
Now Washington has answered back--in a more classical key--by signing on the opera megastars Placido Domingo and Denyce Graves to sing at the Mass at National Stadium on April 17.
Is this shaping up as a DC vs. NYC thing? Perhaps not. Domingo also sang the "Panis Angelicus" at a papal mass in New York, back in 1995 in Central Park for John Paul II. (Great settling. Let's hope the weather will be better for Placido--and the Pope--this time.)
It may shape up as a traditionalist vs. modernist thing, however, as liturgists and pew-sitters with strong opinions on such topics are already weighing in (and inveighing) across the blogosphere.
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March 30th,2008
The Contributer is ALL -FOR a 'celeb' that will open up the populus to the Inner Workings of GOD, and His HOLY SPIRIT!
The celeb' who may be "Tapped" need View the Oportunity ,as an Opportunity to Minister .. TO GOD & For GOD!! -- ( NOT JUST another opportunity for a 'Tax Write-Off', or another Performance to 'further BOOST their Record Sales!!)
Benedict is the leader of a liturgy led recovery.
The correct liturgy replaces seeking Jesus in the new RCism.
I sure hope Kelly is appropriately dressed for the occasion....
It is a great honor to have the Pope visit the U.S. As a traditional liturgist I look forward to his masses. People must learn that the Roman Church is not a democracy and follows the liturgy(Benedict) of the ancient church. And I, for one, welcome the security that that brings. The consular Popes: John23,paul,John Paul,etc. have led the church to the brink of heresy. It's time we come back from that brink.
I believe that it is very nice to see several celebrities performing for Pope Benedict. But the most important thing is that his trip becomes the starting point for many Catholics to renew their faith. Regardless of the fanfare, it would be interesting to find out why are these celebrities really performing for the pope? Is it because they truly believe in the Catholic faith or is it just for publicity? Only they know their hearts.