This past Wednesday, I had the honor of joining nearly 350 other musicians (singers, orchestral players, percussionists, organists, conductors, soloists) to lead sung prayer for the first Mass Pope Francis celebrated in this country. And he canonized one of the founders of our country, California - as a good friend refers to the state, "God's country." After weeks of rehearsal, including an intense week of rehearsals nearly everyday the week before, sitting in the music area, I was getting ready for Mass, as I have done hundreds of times. Chatting with fellow singers, keeping hydrated, saying a prayer. It was not until Pope Francis had arrived on campus, however, that I realized the magnitude of what we were about to do - celebrate Mass with the Pope, and fill a particular liturgical role during that celebration. As the Popemobile turned onto campus and into the sight of the 25,000 faithful gathered, the Washington Symphonic Brass joyfully rang out a fanfare, introducing the choir's singing of Tu es Petrus - You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church. We sang the ancient plainchant melody. The brass replied with another fanfare which lead into the singing of the French composer Maurice Durufle's motet based on the same chant. A third brass interlude led into the third piece of our Papal Welcome Set. It was at this point that our Holy Father, in his Popemobile, was right behind our music section. Standing in the back row, in front of the sole opening, I turned to see him passing by. It was not until this moment I truly understood, "Wow, we're singing for the Pope!" As the brass interlude concluded, I had to turn my attention back to the task at hand. We sang Richard Proulx's The Messenger of Christ. Here is the complete text: |
It is a great honor for us, and a reason for rejoicing,
and a cause of joy to our salvation,
giving peace and happiness to all that this holy one,
filled with grace in the parchment of knowledge,
should come to bring us his gentle ministry.
We give thanks for the great deeds of the living Lord.
Through God, our shepherd and messenger of Christ,
has come among us, his people.
It is a great honor for us, and a reason for rejoicing! So be it.
Text Richard Proulx © 1993, GIA. All rights reserved.
and a cause of joy to our salvation,
giving peace and happiness to all that this holy one,
filled with grace in the parchment of knowledge,
should come to bring us his gentle ministry.
We give thanks for the great deeds of the living Lord.
Through God, our shepherd and messenger of Christ,
has come among us, his people.
It is a great honor for us, and a reason for rejoicing! So be it.
Text Richard Proulx © 1993, GIA. All rights reserved.
"It is a great honor for us," we sang in that moment Pope Francis was the closest he would get to us musicians. It truly was an honor and reason for rejoicing - celebrating the Eucharist with our Holy Father.
After a process that began for me as an audition judge in May, getting music to review and practice in July, six weeks of rehearsals, the Mass itself flew by. This once in a lifetime opportunity to sing for the visiting pontiff was made memorable not only by Pope Francis, but also through making music together with so many friends and talented musicians. Singing with the Archdiocesan Choir with singers from all over the region and with the Catholic University of America Chamber Choir as a proud alumnus was a great experience.
Below is the full video of the Canonization Mass and a link to the worship aid booklet.
Saint Junipero Serro, pray for us!
Worship Aid - Canonization Mass of Blessed Junipero Serra
Below is the full video of the Canonization Mass and a link to the worship aid booklet.
Saint Junipero Serro, pray for us!
Worship Aid - Canonization Mass of Blessed Junipero Serra