When we ran down the music to be included at the Papal Mass on Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, it was an ambitious list that included a number of prelude hymns and a number of communion hymns. But, despite everyone’s best efforts, much of the music was never sung. Given the preparation that went into the planning of the mass, the Papal choirs will offer a special concert at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
There were a few difficulties led to the music not being played.
One was the difficulty of communication. Prior to the liturgy’s beginning, there were a number of hymns to be sung, including some special pieces for arrival of Pope Francis onto the Parkway and for the procession of clergy. But before the musicians knew it, there was the processional cross with Pope Francis coming up the aisle and mass was underway.
Secondly, just 20 minutes was planned for communion. As some have noted on this blog, one hymn, “Taste and See” by Moore was interrupted, as communion was finished and Pope Francis had to continue with his schedule. This meant that not only were some communion hymns left unsung, but the children’s choir did not get to sing Bach/Gonoud’s “Ave Maria” as a postlude, either.
The concert will be held on October 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, just beyond the Benjamin Franklin Parkway where the mass was held. Admission is only a free-will offering, and free parking is available.
View the flyer for the concert on the Philadelphia Office for Divine Worship page.