RSSFUZHOU, China (UCAN) — A musician priest in eastern China says he hopes a professional recording studio he set up could help non-Catholics get to know God.
The studio could facilitate exchange between the Church and society, said Father Luke Li Lujia, 33, of Fuzhou diocese.
He said the studio in Ximen St. Joseph’s Church, which opened in mid-December, has drawn many non-Catholic music-lovers and musicians to the Church.
With financial support from Catholics, the 10-square-meter soundproof studio has been equipped with recording equipment and musical instruments including a cello, electric and classical guitars, drums, violins and a piano.
Chen Yu is one of those attracted to the Church through music. He told UCA News he went to Father Li’s church with a friend to play music some years ago and got to know the priest.
He said he was curious to see people worshipping and was attracted by the Taize songs they sang. “I have never felt such an atmosphere. The music touched my soul,” he recalled.
Taize songs are meditative hymns and chants originating from the Taize ecumenical community based in France.
Since it opened, Catholics and their non-Catholic friends use the studio to record Church songs and their own compositions almost every day. The facilities are free, but users are expected to contribute to the Church through their music or other services.
By introducing the studio to his friends, Chen said, “It gives them a chance to get in touch with the Church, and even attend Masses.”
Father Li has written a number of songs himself, including one called “Song for Priests,” dedicated to the Year for Priests.
He also runs a website of sacred music, the Giulio Aleni Sacred Music Training Center and the Fangzhou Sacred Music Workshop, all which are his attempts to promote locally composed Church music.
All this can be “a good tool for evangelization” since music “transcends culture and language,” Father Li said.
CH08590.1585 January 21, 2010 40 EM-lines (319 words)
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