Gregorian Meditation

Gregorian Meditation™ FAQ

What is Gregorian Meditation™?

Paul Novosel’s Gregorian Meditation™ (GregMed™) is a simple gathering of people that brings together chanting with specially composed “Gregorian chant mantras” and periods of silence for quiet meditation. It provides the opportunity for a community to sing together, be with each other, and have silent time for meditation, prayer, or reflection—a break from our busy, noisy world.

What is the experience like?

When people are gathered, they are divided into two sides, low voices and high voices. A cantor gives the first chant, it is sung by one side, then the other side echos, the music is repeated about 4 times, a bell is rung and 3 minutes of silence follows. This entire process is repeated about 6 times in a session, taking about 30 to 45 minutes.

Who can participate?

GregMed™ is designed for everyone to experience, even children and young adults! Any Christian, Catholic, or Protestant can feel comfortable participating.

Why was GregMed created?

Mr. Novosel saw the beauty and value in the monastic way of praying 8 times a day called The Liturgy of the Hours or The Divine Office, as begun by Saint Anthony in the 3rd century. Morning Prayer and Vespers are two of these daily praying times that people are familiar with.

Mr. Novosel, in a very simple way, wanted to create an experience that provided those samedynamics: singing together, being together, and praying together. This he thought would be an alternative break from our very busy digital and distraction-filled world.

How will I know the music?

Special song sheets called “pothi” are handed out. They contain the Gregorian mantras and translations of the Latin text. They are in a horizontal format, specially folded so that they can be easily held between the thumbs of praying hands. There is also a brief 10 minute practice beforehand.

Are the chant mantras authentic Gregorian Chant?

The curated melodies of the chants have been adapted, transcribed, or newly composed by Mr.Paul Novosel, and based on the existing Gregorian chant repertory.

I am a bit shy about singing in public, and I’m not sure I can carry a tune, do I have to sing?

You can choose not to sing, and just listen to the music and meditate.

Must I have prior knowledge of the chants?

No. Each session begins with a brief instruction and teaches you each mantra. They are very short, just one line, consisting of one, two, or three phrases. There is also a brief lesson on meditation beforehand.

How will I remember the chants?

A multi-panelled “pothi” is handed to each participant to use. This is printed in palm leaf format. There is one chant per panel. When two panels are opened, it can be held comfortably behind the thumbs of praying hands. Because these are copyrighted material, it is unlawful to copy or photograph them, and are to be returned to the GregMed chant leaders.

How long does a GregMed™ last?

Including the briefing and music practice, approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

If the chants are in Latin, how will I know what I am singing?

Above each chant, there are translations in pertinent languages. There is also a pronunciation key on the pothi.

What am I supposed to do during the silence? What if my mind wanders?

There are many options. Meditation can be many things to different people. It is a mindful place one chooses to be, mentally and emotionally that is especially different from one’s daily routine. It may be like day-dreaming, wondering, praying, resting, or just being still—to calm the busy mind. There are many meditation techniques—some focus on breathing, some use Focused Attention Meditation whereby one focuses on a single object, a symbol, image, or statue in the church. Some may want to use the text of the chant mantra and then use associated prayer. You may want to silently pray traditional prayers. You may want to use the silence to let God speak.