A choral concert marking the 65th Anniversary of the Diocese of Allentown and the 250th Anniversary of our nation was held Aug. 16 at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown.
Titled “Our Lord, Our Mother, Our Nation,” the concert included selections of patriotic music, as well as music honoring Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist and Our Mother Mary.
The selections included original music composed by people from the Diocese of Allentown, favorite hymns and patriotic songs, as well as pieces from the ancient past. The concert was narrated by Monsignor Donald Cieniewicz, Pastor of the Cathedral, and other members of the Cathedral clergy.
The 35 vocalists were members of four choirs: the Diocesan Choir, the Cathedral Choir, the Living Word Choir, and the Angelorum Choir, all directed by Bev McDevitt, Director of Music, Cathedral and Diocesan Choirs.
“For centuries, it’s always been true that the cathedral in any diocese was the hub for music, art, and architecture,” said Bishop Alfred A. Schlert at the event. “I’m proud that in the Diocese of Allentown, that remains true up to the present day.”
He noted that one of the founders of our country, John Adams, said a democracy can only succeed with a religious and moral people.
“Faith and morals allow us to live as a civilized society,” said the Bishop. “As Catholics, our faith and morals come from our faith in God, our belief in Jesus’ Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist, and the protection and motherly care of our Blessed Mother, who is the patroness of our Diocese, and also of our nation.”
The concert included an arrangement of “O Sanctissima” composed by Father Angelo Della Picca, the first Director of Music for the Diocese 1961-65.
The afternoon concluded with another original piece, “Mary, Our Guiding Star, O Salve Mater Ecclesiae,” which was composed by McDevitt and Father Matthew Kuna, Chaplain of St. Christopher Catholic Newman Center, Kutztown; and Berks Catholic High School, Reading. They wrote the hymn for this year’s 65th Anniversary celebration.
Those who didn’t have the chance to attend the concert in person may view it on the Diocese’s YouTube channel.
Photos by Vargas Photography.
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