Singers from a choir from San Antonio were among 4,000 to join voices in Rome in a New Year’s Mass, celebrated by Pope Francis.
“It was beautiful to hear all of the singing together,” said 14-year-old Catherine Beard, who belongs to the Saint Anthony Choristers from Saint Anthony of Padua Church.
“We were in one place. We were all singing for God, together, from everywhere around the world,” she said.
(Courtesy of Jackie Rosario)
The singers came from 18 countries, and they learned songs in several languages, including French, Latin, English and Portuguese, said Kristin Beard, Catherine’s mom.
“When they were in St. Peter’s Basilica on New Year’s Day, they all sang the same music, which was beautiful,” she said.
“There were several mini-concerts around Rome, where maybe four or five choirs would sing. They’d perform for their families, friends and people,” she said.
Before the choirs joined at St. Peter’s Basilica, they had a rehearsal at an auditorium behind the basilica, she said.
That’s when they had a private audience with Pope Francis, she added.
“He came to greet the children. There was a main aisle, and he went down the aisle. He was shaking children’s hands, as he walking down. He sat down and talked to the kids. And then, he walked back up the aisle, and that’s when he was shaking hands.”
“We knew that he was going to be there. We knew he’d be going up and down the aisle, however we didn’t know where we’d be seated. Our choir was fortunate enough to be seated right on the aisle,” she said.
Her sons, Michael and Donald, Jr., both shook hands with Pope Francis.
Michael shook both of his hands with Pope Francis and Donald shook one.
Both boys were delighted.
“They were pretty excited. They said they were never going to wash hands again,” Kristin Beard said, laughing at the thought.
(Courtesy of Kristin Beard)
“It’s something they’re going to remember forever,” she added.
Besides enjoying the music, Catherine Beard, was impressed by the historic landmarks, including the Coliseum and the catacombs.
“I’m a big fan of Roman architecture,” she said.
Fifteen-year-old Lexi Rosario was also duly impressed.
“Going to Rome was such an amazing experience in so many ways,” she said, via email.
“Making a trip like this is on so many people’s bucket lists, and being able to go at such a young age was such a blessing, not to mention meeting and singing for the Pope himself. “I am truly blessed and grateful for all who helped make this happen for us,” she said.
Choir Director Sandra Lau echoed those sentiments.
“I would just like to say ‘Thank you’ to the many generous people who contributed financially to make this one-in-a-lifetime opportunity possible for our youth choir,” she said, via email.
Published January 20, 2016
