Thursday, February 12, 2009

on Monday...

...a hugely successful Day of Art and Music sponsored by the Association of Catholic Women and held at Coloma School, Croydon.

This was a Day for teachers at Catholic primary schools and we were hugely impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm of the teachers - a wonderful atmosphere throughout. Coloma's headmistress welcomed us, there was a splendid buffet lunch, and we had a beautiful lecture hall, plus a smaller room for the art session.

Dr Lionel Gracey gave a superb presentation using some of the world's great art, showing how glorious paintings can be used to teach the Faith. He lectures on this at Maryvale, and will visit parishes or other groups on request - warmly recommended.

Then, after tea, a wonderful session with Jeremy de Satge of The Music Makers, who got us all singing Gregorian chant. We learned the Kyrie, Agnus Dei, and Sanctus, and the sound was beautiful. Then a psalm, this time in English, and one of the teachers took turn and turn about with Jeremy to sing the verses, while the rest of us took the refrain...

The day ended with a beautiful Mass in the school chapel. Glorious singing - the chant was wonderful - a young teacher doing the readings, candles glowing on the simple altar as the February afternoon darkened outside. The day was a real success, and we now plan more. This one drew teachers from across the diocese of Southwark. Interested in having something in your area?

1 comment:

H. Ledger said...

Dear Auntie Joanna,

Many thanks for introducing me to The Music Makers website. I have always enjoyed listening to Gregorian Chant and would love to sing it one day.

For anyone interested there are some courses in Oxford, and I have enclosed a link to an interesting website.

http://oxfordlmsrepevents.blogspot.com/2009/02/chant-courses.html

Very Best Wishes,

Henry Ledger