Saturday Homily

Here's the text of the pope's homily for the Saturday liturgy at which the cardinals got their hats and rings.

“Jesus was walking ahead of them…” (Mk 10:32).
At this moment too, Jesus is walking ahead of us. He is always before us. He goes ahead of us and leads the way… This is the source of our confidence and our joy: to be his disciples, to remain with him, to walk behind him, to follow him…
When we joined to concelebrate the first Mass in the Sistine Chapel, the first word which the Lord proposed to us was “to walk”, to journey with him: to journey, and then to build and to profess.
Today this same word is repeated, but now as an action, an action of Jesus which is ongoing: “Jesus was walking…”. This is something striking about the Gospels: Jesus is often walking and he teaches his disciples along the way. This is important. Jesus did not come to teach a philosophy, an ideology… but rather “a way”, a journey to be undertaken with him, and we learn the way as we go, by walking. Yes, dear brothers, this is our joy: to walk with Jesus.
But this is not easy, or comfortable, because the way that Jesus chooses is the way of the Cross. As they journey together, he speaks to his disciples about what will happen in Jerusalem: he foretells his passion, death and resurrection. And they are “shocked” and “full of fear”. They were shocked, certainly, because for them going up to Jerusalem meant sharing in the triumph of the Messiah, in his victory – we see this in the request made by James and John. But they were also full of fear for what was about to happen to Jesus, and for what they themselves might have to endure.
Unlike the disciples in those days, we know that Jesus has won, and that we need not fear the Cross; indeed, the Cross is our hope. And yet, we are all too human, sinners, tempted to think as men do, not as God does.
And once we follow the thinking of the world, what happens? “When the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John” (Mk 10:41). They were indignant. Whenever a worldly mentality predominates, the result is rivalry, jealousy, factions…
And so the word which Jesus speaks to us today is most salutary. It purifies us inwardly, it enlightens our consciences and helps us to unite ourselves fully with Jesus, and to do so together, at this time when the College of Cardinals is enlarged by the entrance of new members.
“And Jesus called them to himself…” (Mk 10:42). Here is the other action of Jesus. Along the way, he is aware that he needs to speak to the Twelve; he stops and calls them to himself. Brothers, let us allow Jesus to call us to himself! Let us be “con-voked” by him. And let us listen to him, with the joy that comes from receiving his word together, from letting ourselves be taught by that word and by the Holy Spirit, and to become ever more of one heart and soul, gathered around him.
And as we are thus “con-voked”, “called to himself” by our one Teacher, I too will tell you what the Church needs: she needs you, your cooperation, and even more your communion, communion with me and among yourselves. The Church needs your courage, to proclaim the Gospel at all times, both in season and out of season, and to bear witness to the truth. The Church needs your prayer for the progress of Christ’s flock, the prayer which, together with the proclamation of the Word, is the primary task of the Bishop. The Church needs your compassion, especially at this time of pain and suffering for so many countries throughout the world. We want to express our spiritual closeness to the ecclesial communities and to all Christians suffering from discrimination and persecution. The Church needs our prayer for them, that they may be firm in faith and capable of responding to evil with good. And this prayer of ours extends to every man and women suffering injustice on account of their religious convictions.
The Church needs us also to be peacemakers, building peace by our words, our hopes and our prayers: let us therefore invoke peace and reconciliation for those peoples presently experiencing violence and war.
Thank you, dear Brothers. Let us walk together behind the Lord, and let us always be called together by him, in the midst of his faithful people, our holy Mother the Church.

Sunday Mass Video

Here's the video of the Sunday Mass.

Later today I hope to get the email list you.

Welcome Home!

By now, I trust you and your luggage have arrived home. We'll keep the blog up and running for a few weeks. Do keep checking in. To start, here's a video of the complete Saturday morning consistory liturgy at which the cardinals received their rings and birettas.

Nothing Much to Say

There's probably very little that needs to be said at this point other than thank you for your participation.

Spend some time reading all previous blog posts.

Reread all the information you received from Peter's Way. Their check list is especially helpful.

Spend a few more minutes with your rehearsal disc or rehearsing at the piano. Even practicing the text, examining page turns, and reviewing the markings - forte, piano, allegro, ritard - are good ways to continue your practice.

Start - and keep - drinking water.

Don't hesitate to give US Airways a call if you have questions about luggage, checking in, connections, etc...

Keep your green badges on in the airport so we can identify each other.

It does no good to plan, but it is wise to prepare. Be prepared for crowds the first few days. Be prepared for a very long Friday. Be prepared for that Friday rehearsal. Be prepared for more itinerary changes. Be prepared for some surprises along the way. Be prepared for the disappointments and the joys. Be prepared for that first note we sing together. Be prepared for more red fabric than you have ever seen in one place. Be prepared to greet travelers from past trips and be prepared to make new friends. You can plan on an amazing week together!

See you tomorrow.

Yet Another Itinerary Change

We learned this morning that we will now be singing the SUNDAY 5:00 pm Mass at St. Peter's, not the SATURDAY 5:00 pm Mass. Actually, this is not a bad thing. We now have a freer Saturday and Sunday can be spent wearing white and black. You are already experiencing one of the joys of Roman culture: flexibility. Be prepared for anything. It's still early!

Upon checking the Vatican website www.vatican.va, you'll find the Vatican Television Service. Papal liturgies and audiences are broadcast on the site and stored there for a few days or weeks. Just one more way for folks at home to see you.

Earlier in these posts I suggested that it may not be necessary to heed the three hour advance arrival at the airport. With all the flight cancellations and rebookings, it might be good to once again adhere to that three hour schedule....Better early that late.

If you are interested in what goes on behind the walls of the Vatican, I recommend two reputable and respectful websites: whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com and vaticaninsider.com. Vatican Insider has wonderful information about the new Cardinals and the "consistory": the gathering of the world's Cardinals. You can find copies of Pope Francis' speeches and other interesting information at the website.

To be clear, there was no post yesterday. But see you tomorrow....

More Travel Tips

Make a copy of the front pages of your passport. Leave a copy a home with a friend or family member. Keep a copy with you in your wallet or purse as well as in your suitcase. Do NOT pack your actual passport in the luggage your will be checking. (We speak from past experience...)

Copy the front and back of the credit card you will be using. Keep a copy with you.

Write down any prescriptions you take and keep the information with you.

The 8x8 washcloths we are accustomed to will not be found in Italy. Bring some with you.

Some travelers enjoy bringing a pair of binoculars.

The cable TV station EWTN will most likely be broadcasting the liturgies on Saturday and Sunday. Set your recorders. You can also do a little exploring of the Vatican website www.vatican.va for more information.

See you tomorrow.....

Our Very Busy Friday

I want to prepare you for what next Friday will be like.

After getting out of the airport, Elisabeth our guide will take us on a driving tour of Rome. We'll also do some walking and it will be good to get some fresh air. 

In the mid-afternoon, we'll check in at the hotel. Shortly thereafter, singers will need to assemble for what may very well be our only rehearsal of the entire trip. There is a rehearsal space in the hotel we can use. You will be very tired and anxious to settle in, but we must rehearse. 

I'm hoping your careful advance preparation will allow us to rehearse all of our pieces in one hour. Please listen to your disc or plunk out the notes on the piano. 

We'll have an early dinner at the hotel (4:30-ish?) and then we'll walk right next door to San Giorgio where we will sing for Evening Prayer at 6:00 pm. We may sneak in a 10-15 minute rehearsal before Evening Prayer inside the basilica. Evening Prayer should be no more than 40 minutes or so. In the course of Evening Prayer we will sing We Must Glory in the Cross and Canticle of Mary. 

Following Evening Prayer, we will do a mini-concert of three songs: O Living Bread from Heaven, Tis the Gift to Be Simple, and Lord of Life and King of Glory. 

Following Evening Prayer and the concert, the Crosier Community has graciously arranged to have a reception with refreshments. You are welcome to stay, or you are welcome to head back to the hotel. It's quite possible you can be asleep by 7:30 pm should you wish. 

It's going to be a long day, but I hope you embrace the concept of rehearsing immediately. Let's prove to ourselves we can get through all six of our very easy anthems. It's also good to immediately begin our pilgrimage with prayer and singing. 

One Week from Now

One week from now at this time, we'll be on our way to Rome.

Here are some odds and ends.

Those who are leaving from Chicago and Minneapolis no doubt realize that if we were to have left today, we wouldn't have made it to Philadelphia because of the storm. There's still time to start your never-fail-weather-novena if you have not done so yet.

Do yourself a favor: check your passport tonight. Do you know where it is? Are the dates valid?

We will sing Lord of Life and King of Glory in Latin. But please study the English text also. We will also perform the piece a third lower than written; altos will appreciate this. The highest note for the women is now a "d".

Do your best to find some euros before we get to Rome. It's nice to have some euros in your pocket when you land so you can get a coffee, snack or water in the airport. You should feel safe and comfortable getting your euros from an ATM machine in Rome. We want to try to avoid having 30 people lined up in the airport withdrawing money. It feels good to get out of the airport as soon as we can.

Give your bank or credit card company a courtesy call and let them know you indeed will be using your card in Italy.

If you will be traveling with a cell phone, check in with your service provider. Let them know what you plan to do with your phone - calls, texts, emails, internet access - and they can explain procedures, safeguards and costs.

See you tomorrow....

Eight Days to Go

YOUR OWN COMFORT MUSIC

In an age of iPhones, iPads, tablets, iPods, iTunes, Cloud Player and the like, people can take their favorite music with them throughout the day. There's something especially satisfying about having music with you as you travel. There are a number of well known pieces with Roman themes, and I've loaded up a few of them on my iPhone.

All of Puccini's opera Tosca takes place in Rome. Act I takes place in the church of San Andrea della Valle, located in a bustling part of Rome. We're sure to pass it a few times. I've sat inside and listened to all of Act I, trying to visualize what is being depicted in the music. Act II takes place in Palazzo Farnese, which is now the French Embassy located near the Piazza Navona. Act III takes place on the roof of the Castel San Angelo, from where Tosca jumped to her death. Opera fans may want to carve out sometime to visit these sites when exploring the city in your free time. 

You'd also do well to travel with Ottorino Respighi's The Pines of Rome, The Fountains of Rome and the Roman Festivals. The pieces are often grouped together as the Roman Trilogy and it's common to find all three pieces on a single disc. Respighi was one of the most brilliant orchestrators in classical music, meaning he had full command of orchestral sounds and created some of the beautiful, evocative, flashy and over the top pieces in the classical repertoire. In The Pines of Rome, he captured the sound of children playing and families relaxing in the Pines of the Villa Borghese; his Pines of the Janiculum depicts moonlight in the famous park on the hill over looking Rome. (It's quite possible our guide Elisabeth may take us to one or both of these places for a little stretch and walk after our flight.) The piece includes the Pines near a Catacomb and he concludes his work with the Pines of the Appian Way, a triumphant march of Roman soldiers returning from battle. I really enjoy listening to this music as we visit these places! We'll also be visiting sights from his Fountains of Rome and Roman Festivals. 

It might be fun to travel with a little Roman polyphony: Palestrina is perhaps the best known composer of this period.

I do admit that church bells and taxi horns may be my favorite sound in Rome. 

See you tomorrow.....

Nine Days to Go

A FIVE EURO APOLOGY

Your careful reading of the brochure will alert you to the fact that admissions to museums, churches, sites and other venues are all covered by your tour package price. This indeed is true.

Last week, the directors (Wendy, Michael and Fr. Joncas) met to put finishing touches on our plans. In the course of our discussions, we felt it was important to sneak a visit into San Clemente. (The Roman church, not the California prison....) San Clemente is a remarkable example of how churches were built on top of older churches. It's also home to one of the most famous and magnificent apse mosaics in Christendom.

We felt it was too splendid to miss and with a little free time on Sunday afternoon, we wanted to work it in

We're going to pay a visit. And we're hoping you'll trust us enough to save 5 euro to see the excavations there. (Most churches are free to enter, but have a fee to see special sites.) Please budget a mere 5 euro for that afternoon. We promise a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. Thanks for indulging us and letting us show you one of our favorite places in Rome.

The visit here also allows the chance to pose a travel question: some people like to do their homework on a place before seeing it; others like the surprise that comes with encountering something for the first time. Which do you prefer? You can easily do some advance research on San Clemente and the other sites we are seeing, or you can let our expert local guides introduce you to the sites.

Thanks again for saving a few euros for this site and see you tomorrow......

Ten Days to Go

YOUR DAY BAG

Once we land, you'll want to travel with a day bag, perhaps a "library book" bag, a back pack or a handbag. Inside you'll want to keep your music folder and hymnal. (To be clear, the hymnal is only about 32 pages; it is not a hard bound choir hymnal!) Throughout the day, we may find ourselves in a situation where we wish to sing a choir piece or a simple hymn or refrain. Prayers and readings for private or group use will also be in the hymnal.

You'll also want to carry a bottle of water. It's good for the body and good for the voice. One of my favorite experiences of Rome is stepping out of the airport and into the humidity. (And bus fumes.) Do your best to stay hydrated all week long.

It would be wise to pack an umbrella. Bring a guide book and map in case you choose to wander off. Grab a business card from the hotel and keep it in your bag in case it gets lost or in case you need to give it to a taxi driver.

It's also good to keep some snacks on you.

I couldn't help but notice the temperature this week will be in the 60's and sunny. You may even need to bring some sun screen!

See you tomorrow.....

Eleven Days to Go

WILL WE SEE THE POPE?

Right now, we are scheduled for four events with Pope Francis. On Saturday, we will see him distribute rings and hats to the new Cardinals. Don't expect the greatest seats for this simple liturgy. On Sunday at Mass, we will be very near the main altar at St. Peter's; we'll also see a postage stamp size pope on Sunday at noon when he gives his blessing from a window at the top of the apostolic palace. Tens of thousands of people will be in St. Peter's Square with us. On Wednesday, we will attend the papal audience in the audience hall. A few thousand people will be present and we'll try to catch his ear by singing an alleluia from Argentina. Every now and then he visits with a group or poses for a photo. Better to be surprised than disappointed; so no promises, but here's hoping.

See you tomorrow.....

Twelve Days to Go

TIPS

In the packet of materials you received from Peter's Way, mention is made of tipping our guide and driver. Elisabeth, our guide, will be with us for 6 1/2 days, meeting us at the airport and getting us back to the airport. We may have the same driver for the entire trip or the driving duties may be shared by several drivers. Suggested daily tip for Elisabeth is 4 Euros a day, and 2 Euros a day for our driver.

It's been our habit to pass around an envelope with everyone's name on it. When you have offered your tip, you can cross your name off. Some folks like to make their offering at beginning of the trip in order to be done with it; others wait til the last day and throw in all their spare bills and coins.

As you budget your spending money for the trip, please bring some money for the tips.

Tipping is restaurants is far different than our state side custom. Just a few Euros is quite acceptable even for a nice dinner as a  "service fee" is usually included in the bill. For our hotel breakfasts or dinners, it's nice to leave a few coins. Guides in museums also appreciate a small tip.

Hang on to your Euro dollar coins and bills; they come in handy for saying thank you to all our guides and helpers.

See you tomorrow.....

Thirteen Days to Go

IN THE AIRPORT

A few participants are getting to Philadelphia - or Rome - on their own. But most of the group will be leaving either from Chicago O'Hare or Minneapolis for the initial flight to Philadelphia. Past travelers will remember being greeted at the airport by a Peter's Way representative. We won't being doing that this time. Wendy will greet travelers leaving from Minneapolis and Michael will greet travelers leaving from Chicago. We'll both be wearing our bright green name tags and you should too. There is no group check-in. Simply go to the US Airways counter and check your luggage through all the way to Rome. Because our first flight is domestic, not international, don't worry about the three hour check-in deadline. Two hours is sufficient. There's no need to check in with Wendy or Michael; we simply want to make ourselves available to you before you check in. We'd also feel more comfortable knowing you all made it to the airport. 

It's not too foolish to look for your passport tonight just to be certain you have it and that the dates are valid. 

Don't hesitate to contact us with questions. 

See you tomorrow.....

Fourteen Days to Go

BLACK AND WHITE

All singers and pilgrims will need to travel with a white blouse or shirt and black slacks or skirt. Singers will wear black and white for our Friday evening prayer and Saturday 5:00 Mass. All travelers will wear white and black for our Sunday 10:30 Mass and Wednesday Papal Audience. 

Men: no ties or jackets are needed, just black and white. Long sleeve would be better than short sleeve, but either is fine.

Women: either slacks or a knee length skirt is fine. Long sleeve would be better than short sleeve, but either is fine. Shoulders need to be covered. 

Thanks for securing a black and white outfit. To be clear, black and white is black and white. Not beige, not white with stripes, not navy. 

See you tomorrow....

Fifteen Days To Go

Dear Singers and Pilgrims,

Information will be posted every day for the next two weeks. Our membership has reached an even 40, with 29 in the choir.

MUSIC AND THREE RING BINDER

By this point all singers should have received 6 choral octavos. We also have rehearsal tapes for those singers who would like one. By no means is this all our music! Chicago and Minneapolis singers will receive their "Pilgrims Hymnal"at the final rehearsal. Other singers and our guests will receive their copy in the airport.

All singers will receive a black one inch three ring binder for their music and hymnal. These have been distributed at rehearsal; those who didn't get one will get theirs at the airport. Please plan to pack your music binder in your carry-on luggage. We rehearse and sing the day we land in Rome, so we want to be certain that no music gets lost in transit. Each day you should plan to pack your music folder and hymnal in your day bag. We will need it for our prayer times and any unexpected singing opportunities that may arise in the course of the day.

See you tomorrow.....

We're off and running

Dear Singers and Pilgrims,

Happy New Year and welcome to our pilgrimage!

38 singers and guests will leave for Rome in just over one month. We are very excited about this trip and want you to know that you can now expect weekly information. In order to facilitate communication, we would ask that you provide a preferred email address; this address will not be shared with other travelers. You also need to let us know whether or not you are a singer and what voice part you sing. We have a pretty clear understanding of who is singing, but want to be certain we have not missed anyone.

After a bit of an uncertain start, we find ourselves with a comfortable number of participants and singers. Singers in the Twin Cities and Chicago are about to begin rehearsals and those from across the country will be sent music and a recording so that they may prepare on their own.

Here is some information about particular dates and liturgies.

On Friday, the day we arrive, we will no doubt be tired. But we are scheduling an evening prayer service at San Giorgio in Vilabro (Rome). The Basilica is home to the (English speaking) Crosier Community in Rome. (Minnesota singers and pilgrims know of the Crosiers’ work in Shoreview and throughout the state.) This will allow us to gather, relax, rehearse, sing and pray in a “friendly” venue. As luck has it, this Basilica is literally next door to our hotel! We will be singing a setting of evening prayer composed by Fr. Michael Joncas for use in this very space, celebrating the 800^th anniversary of the Crosier Order.

Our travel dates were chosen quite some time ago, long before we knew Pope Benedict would resign and Pope Francis would be elected. However, the dates of travel were quite intentional. We scheduled our trip to coincide with the Feast of the Chair of Peter, a day in the liturgical calendar focusing on the papacy. We figured there was a good chance that we would be able to participate in a papal liturgy that day. Furthermore, there have been a handful of times since the Second Vatican Council when new Cardinals were created on the Feast of the Chair of Peter. We gambled that 2014 would be such a year and our gamble paid off! You have no doubt heard that Pope Francis named 19 new Cardinals last Sunday. On Saturday we will attend the simple liturgy at which the new Cardinals receive their hats and rings. On Sunday, we will join with the Sistine Chapel Choir (and other possibly other choirs) in singing at a Mass with Pope Francis and the new Cardinals. Clearly, our attendance at these liturgies will be a once in a lifetime musical and liturgical experience. It is going to be a very busy, crowded and hectic weekend, but we believe the experiences of this weekend will far exceed any discomforts we will encounter. Monday Mass will be celebrated at the Church of Santa Praesede, featuring some of the most magnificent and oldest mosaics in Rome. Tuesday finds us singing in Assisi for Mass and Wednesday’s Mass will be at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.

We are delighted to have Fr. Michael Joncas with us for the entire pilgrimage presiding at our Masses and sharing his insights of Rome and the places we will be visiting. We will also have a local guide with us for the entire trip.

All participants will receive a “pilgrim’s hymnal” containing music, prayer texts and other necessary items to get us through the week. Singers will receive a binder of choral music. These will be distributed at the first rehearsal or via mail.

Please note that ALL participants – singers and non singers – will need to pack a white shirt/blouse and black pants/skirt for when we sing at the Vatican. Non singers will sit with the choir in the choir area for the Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s.

You are most welcome to contact us with any questions or concerns you have. Look for frequent information and updates from us.

Sincerely

Michael and Wendy Silhavy

Michael

michaelsilhavy@gmail.com

Wendy

wsilhavy@olpmn.org