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St. Cecilia Mass set Nov. 19
By Julie Filby
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St. Cecilia Mass When: 10 a.m. Nov. 19 (9 a.m. choir rehearsal, 11:30 a.m. reception)
Photo by James Baca/DCR: |
The annual Mass to honor the patron saint of musicians, St. Cecilia, will be held at 10 a.m. Nov. 19 at Immaculate Conception Church in Lafayette. Bishop James D. Conley, apostolic administrator for the Denver Archdiocese, will be the main celebrant.
During the celebration Bishop Conley will present St. Cecilia Awards to pastoral musicians for their efforts in the field of sacred music. There will also be a special blessing for archdiocesan musicians.
All are welcome to attend the Mass including cantors, choir members, music directors, friends, family, clergy and parishioners. Choir members throughout the archdiocese are invited to sing in a combined choir at the Mass, with an informal rehearsal taking place from 9-9:45 a.m.
According to legend, St. Cecilia, virgin and martyr of the Church, was a young Christian of high rank betrothed to a Roman named Valerian. Through her influence, Valerian was converted, and ultimately martyred along with his brother, when the two refused to renounce their faith. Cecilia was subsequently arrested for burying their bodies, and sentenced to death.
St. Cecilia is regarded as the patroness of music and musicians because it was said during her wedding to Valerian that she did not hear the nuptial music, for she was singing silently in her heart to God. She is frequently depicted playing an organ or other musical instrument. Her feast day is Nov. 22.
The Mass is sponsored by the Archdiocesan Music Committee and the archdiocese’s Office of Liturgy. Immaculate Conception Church is located at 715 Cabrini Drive in Lafayette. A reception will follow at 11:30 a.m. For more information, call 303-715-3221 or email liturgy.office@archden.org.
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