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Views from the Choir Loft

The Power of Sacred Music

Andrew Leung · September 15, 2016

CTL The Power of Sacred Music ISITING THE SICK is a very important part of the ministry of a Catholic priest. Last Sunday, I visited the hospital with the bishop and seminarians of Macau. Fr. Law, a priest who was in the hospital for three weeks, is 83 years old and has been sick for 18 years. Fr. Law is a church historian and the dean of the cathedral chapter (canons, which, by the way, can only be found in two places in Asia: the Diocese of Macau and the Archdiocese of Manila).

We were told, before our visit, that Fr. Law wasn’t doing too well, he was loosing his memory and his mind was clouded. But that was not the case when we get to the hospital, he was awake and he recognized the bishop right away. He was very happy to see us and welcomed us with his beautiful smile. After a little bit of chatting, the bishop suggested that we, the seminarians, sing Salve Regina for him. Fr. Law was very excited about the singing and started to make the Sign of the Cross so that we can begin our prayer to the Blessed Virgin together.

The miracle happened after the Salve Regina. Fr. Law’s memory came back suddenly and he started to tell stories and sing pieces of music that he used to taught in the seminary. He was the Gregorian chant and choral instructor at St. Joseph Seminary in Macau. Once we started singing in the hospital room, we couldn’t stop singing. We sang Ecce Sacerdos in the presence of the bishop, how appropriate is that! When we got to Cesar Franck’s Panis Angelicus, father even started singing in harmonies.

I don’t usually post stories like this one on the blog, but I think this amazing experience is worth sharing. This experience of mine proved that true sacred music brings hope and joy to the sufferings. This story shows how music can be connected deeply with our minds and souls. Fr. Law was discharged from the hospital two days later and his mind was cleared up after singing with us.

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Andrew Leung

Andrew Leung currently serves the music director of Vox Antiqua, conductor of the Cecilian Singers, and music director at Our Lady of China Church.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

Quick Thoughts

    Introit • Candlemas (2 February)
    “Candlemas” • Our choir sang on February 2nd, and here's a live recording of the beautiful INTROIT: Suscépimus Deus. We had very little time to rehearse, but I think it has some very nice moments. I promise that by the 8th Sunday after Pentecost it will be perfect! (That Introit is repeated on the 8th Sunday after Pentecost.) We still need to improve, but we're definitely on the right track!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Simplified Antiphons • “Candlemas”
    Anyone who desires simplified antiphons (“psalm tone versions”) for 2 February, the Feast of the Purification—which is also known as “Candlemas” or the Feast of the Presentation—may freely download them. The texts of the antiphons are quite beautiful. From “Lumen Ad Revelatiónem Géntium” you can hear a live excerpt (Mp3).
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Tempo?? • 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘺 𝘎𝘰𝘥, 𝘞𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘺 𝘕𝘢𝘮𝘦
    Once, after Mass, my pastor said he really loved the hymn we did. I said: “Father, that's Holy God, We Praise Thy Name—you never heard it before?” He replied: “But the way you did it was terrific. For once, it didn't sound like a funeral dirge!” Last Sunday, our volunteer choir sang that hymn. I think the tempo was just about right … but what do you think?
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

Indeed I might add that although unfamiliar with it myself, the Extraordinary Form expressly reminds us that Mass in either form is not merely a communion meal but a ritual of love, a sacrifice at Calvary, by which, for you and for me, yes, here and now, Jesus Christ lays down his life.

— ‘Most Rev. Philip Egan, Bishop of Portsmouth’

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