AtonementOnline: Evensong and the Duruflé "Requiem"

29 October 2012

Evensong and the Duruflé "Requiem"

There will be Masses on All Souls Day (Friday, November 2nd) at 7 a.m. and at 9:20 a.m., but we will continue our remembrance of the Faithful Departed as our parish Music Series continues next Sunday, November 4th at 4 o’clock with a service of Solemn Evensong in Commemoration of All Souls. This will include a performance of the Requiem, Op. 9 by Maurice Duruflé sung by the parish Festival Choir and The Atonement Academy Honor Choir. It promises to be a beautiful and fitting tribute to the memory of all our departed loved ones. A reception will follow in the Blessed John Paul II Library and a free-will offering will be received for the support of the Music Series.

"With all my heart, I bless you and your people..."

In 1983 I was a newly-ordained priest. In November of that year, it was my privilege to be in Rome to take part in developing The Book of Divine Worship. During that time an invitation was extended to celebrate Mass with His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, in his private chapel. After we had said Mass, and in those few moments I had with the Holy Father, he told me that he remembered considering the request for my ordination, and he described how he came to an affirmative decision. For me, our brief conversation was an experience which will be treasured forever. At the conclusion of our time together, I asked him if I could take his blessing back to the people of my parish. His very simple words remain precious to me: "With all my heart, I bless you and your people." He then embraced me, and I knew that I was forever "home in my Father's house."