A Harmony of Faith and Music: Celebration Honors Patron Saint
A Moving Musical Mass in Tribute to Sainte-Cécile
Saint-Pierre church resonated with beautiful music on November 23rd, transformed into a vibrant celebration dedicated to Sainte-Cécile, the patron saint of music. The annual event, spearheaded by the Friends of the Music of Robert Clos, featured a unique and moving mass punctuated by a rich tapestry of musical performances.
This year saw a delightful addition to the tradition. The local vocal group, Les Pierres qui Rouulent, joined forces with the renowned Kayawacès orchestra, conducted by the esteemed Stéphane Clos. Forty talented musicians brought an eclectic repertoire to life, captivating the large and appreciative audience.
The mass ordinary was sung by Les Pierres qui Rouulent, drawing inspiration from Glorious, a talented Lyon pop praise group. The orchestra showcased its versatility, performing captivating works by renowned composers ranging from JS Bach to modern icons like Elton John and Whitney Houston, interspersed with pieces penned by Robert Sheldon.
Priest François-Xavier warmly expressed gratitude to the dedicated musicians and singers. “This is a moment of communion and praise to Sainte-Cécile,” he remarked, “and we are deeply grateful to those who have shared their gifts with us.”
The ceremony was imbued with a sense of reverence and devotion. “Saint Cecilia, you who sang of divine peace even in trials, grant your serenity to all the singers and musicians. Protect their hands and their voices so that they can continue to develop the talents that have been given to them to communicate happiness and harmony to others in sharing their passion,” a heartfelt prayer resonated through the church.
The resonance of the final notes lingered in the air, met with a wave of enthusiastic applause from the deeply moved congregation, a testament to the profound impact of the musical journey they shared.
Celebrating Musical Talent and Achievement
The enchanting musical mass was followed by a festive gathering in the wedding hall, a space filled with joy and camaraderie. This heartwarming event provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of young musical talents. Music school students were proudly presented with diplomas earned through their dedication and hard work, showcasing their commitment to their craft.
Yves Saint-Martin and Jacques Duclos, former presidents of the music school, expressed their unwavering support for this annual tradition. They highlighted the school’s vitality and the unwavering quality of its teaching, emphasizing its profound impact on young people from diverse backgrounds.
“The school presents a real opportunity for young people from all social backgrounds,” they noted, underlining its importance in nurturing creativity and providing access to musical education.
The evening culminated in a joyous karaoke session, filling the hall with laughter and the sounds of music lovers expressing their enthusiasm.
Christine Clos and Bruno Rouch, presidents of the two collaborating associations, expressed their unanimous agreement that this collaborative initiative deserved to be repeated. The resounding success of the event underscored the power of music to unite and inspire.
What is the history of the celebration honoring Sainte-Cécile at the Saint-Pierre church?
## A Harmonious Celebration: Interview with Father François-Xavier
**Interviewer:** Father François-Xavier, thank you for joining me today. The Saint-Pierre church was filled with beautiful music last week for the celebration honoring Sainte-Cécile. Can you tell us a bit about the significance of this annual event?
**Father François-Xavier:** Certainly. This celebration is a cherished tradition in our community, a time to come together and honour Sainte-Cécile, the patron saint of music. We believe that music has the power to elevate our souls and bring us closer to the divine. This event allows us to celebrate that power through beautiful performances and a sense of communal praise.
**Interviewer:** This year’s celebration seemed particularly special. Can you tell us about any highlights?
**Father François-Xavier:** Yes, indeed. We were blessed to have a truly impressive collaboration this year. The local vocal group Les Pierres qui Rouulent joined forces with the Kayawacès orchestra, conducted by the talented Stéphane Clos.
Their combined performance was truly moving, showcasing a diverse range of music from classical composers like Bach to contemporary icons like Elton John and Whitney Houston. It was inspiring to see these talented musicians come together and share their gifts with us.
**Interviewer:** I understand the event’s organizers, the Friends of the Music of Robert Clos, play a significant role in these festivities.
**Father François-Xavier:** Absolutely. They are dedicated to promoting musical excellence and ensuring this annual celebration thrives. Their hard work and passion are instrumental in bringing this beautiful event to life each year.
**Interviewer:** What message do you hope attendees took away from this celebration?
**Father François-Xavier:** I hope they felt the power of music to uplift and inspire, to connect us with something greater than ourselves. I hope they were reminded of Sainte-Cécile’s enduring legacy and the importance of nurturing our talents and sharing them with the world.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Father François-Xavier.
**Father François-Xavier:** It was my pleasure.
