Corpus Christi Watershed

Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

Views from the Choir Loft

Video • The Voice of St. John Paul the Great

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T IS NOT A SECRET that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is a musician. Many people know that he is a pianist. And some even guess that his retirement life probably include practicing the piano everyday. This past Sunday, Pope St. John Paul’s singing was mentioned in the homily and I was surprised that not many people know about this talent of his. So, I am going to share two videos to prove that he could sing very well.

The first video is from a Mass he celebrated at St. Peter Basilica in 1982. His chanting of the Pater Noster can be heard clearly.

If that his voice is not good enough for you in that video, try listen to this next one. This is a recording of him singing the Ave Maria by Bach and Gounod. It was recorded in 1976, two years before he was elected pope, when he was still a cardinal. This Saint can SING! The EWTN also put together some of John Paul II’s pictures in the video. Enjoy!

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Corpus Christi Watershed is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to exploring and embodying as our calling the relationship of religion, culture, and the arts. This non-profit organization employs the creative media in service of theology, the Church, and Christian culture for the enrichment and enjoyment of the public.