No more slushy songs are to be allowed at Catholic marriage ceremonies in Kerry.
While happy couples can have Ave Maria, Ag Críost an Síol, and even Panis Angelicus on their big day, wedding favourites such as The Wind Beneath my Wings or Lady in Red, (even though inevitably she is in white) are out.
The popular Titanic theme tune, My Heart Will Go On, has also been sunk by the diocesan authorities in new guidelines as to what is suitable wedding music.
The Kerry diocesan communications office said yesterday that the " beauty" of such songs is best expressed at the wedding reception. In a statement, it said that in the context of the marriage ceremony itself "songs from shows, musicals and pop charts do a disservice".
The director of sacred music in the diocese of Kerry, Mr Pádraig McIntyre, said the new guidelines are intended to help couples and those who sing and play music in Kerry churches during the ceremonies.
The guidelines give a list of appropriate hymns and note that "instrumental music contributes greatly to the creation of a prayerful atmosphere".
The guidelines also stress that music and song are meant to "draw us into the mystery of God's love". And soloists, organists and all musicians are reminded that their primary role is one of service to the liturgy. "In using their time and talents, they beautify and enrich the liturgy, and in so doing, should also enable others to enter more fully into the sacredness of it. Such is their ministry and privilege," the diocesan statement said.
It is stressed that "all hymns and songs should be scripturally based, reflecting the richness of the sacrament in which Christ is present".
Welcoming the development, Bishop Bill Murphy of Kerry, described the wedding day as one of great joy not only for the couple, their family and friends, but also for the parish and the wider Christian community.
