Angelorum Voices of the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown recently completed a whirlwind tour of Florida, where the choir sang at churches in Belleview, Marco Island, Naples, and the university town of Ave Maria.
Featured were the musical compositions of Beverly McDevitt, who has served as Director of Music for the Diocese of Allentown for more than two decades. Angelorum Voices, a women’s group encompassing both traditional and contemporary styles, is one of five choirs that McDevitt leads in her role as Diocesan Music Director.
The late-January conclusion of the Angelorum Voices tour coincided with the start of the 65th Anniversary of the Diocese of Allentown and the beginning of a Jubilee Year of Grace, which will continue until Jan. 28, 2027.
To choir member Joan Glover, the timing was significant.
“Representing different parishes and walks of life, we gathered not just as singers, but as ambassadors of the Diocese of Allentown,” she said. “At every stop, our music served as a reminder that the Church is universal. We felt the strong spiritual bond that connects all Catholics.”
Angelorum’s Cynthia Kelly said it was plain to see that the concerts “moved people,” and she illustrated with an anecdote.
“After one performance, Bev was approached by a young man who attended the concert. He said, ‘If you want to know if your music is inspiring—here,’ and he handed her the church bulletin, on which he had drawn a beautiful picture of Mary and Jesus.”
The drawing was tangible proof that Angelorum Voices’ music leads hearts to the contemplation of God.
“At the root of our music ministry is Our Lord and Our Mother Mary,” said choir member Linda MacGill. “So many of Bev’s compositions and arrangements reflect the Trinity and her special relationship with our Mother.”
Kelly said that the most memorable moment of her trip took place after the concert at Ave Maria.
“A couple approached and asked how many of us were singing in the choir loft. When I answered, ‘Thirteen,’ the woman began to cry and her husband walked away. She then shared that her husband was one of the main contractors that built the church, and he had been determined to get the acoustics right.
He had walked away from the conversation because he was overcome by emotion. Although there were only 13 in the Angelorum choir, the acoustics made it sound as though there were about 75!
“The couple had happened upon the Angelorum concert by chance, and it was the prayer service they needed because their daughter is fighting cancer.”
MacGill was impressed by St. Theresa Church in Ocala, which was not only “warm and welcoming,” but also active in outreach.
“Music is piped to the outside of the church as well, so that passersby can also listen. I could believe the words of praise were lifting themselves to heaven—such was the beauty of the sound,” said MacGill.
The music can be heard by the “thousands of homeless persons living in a forest area across from the church.” The church ministers to them through a food pantry and meal program.
Listen to the music of Angelorum Voices at these upcoming events at the Cathedral:
- Stations of the Cross, Friday, March 27, 6:30 p.m.
- Divine Mercy Sunday, April 12, 2 p.m., music, excerpts from the Diary of St. Faustina, and chanting of the chaplet
View clips of Angelorum Voices’ appearance at Ave Maria on the choir’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/AngelorumVoices/.
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