I sang at 9:30 but stayed for 11 when I realized the Heralds of the Gospel were in full force. In addition to the choir of young women from Canada I'd heard last year, they had a group of young men playing brass and percussion and processing with an immense new banner into St. Patrick's. (On the way out ... in old style ... the Herald stopped three times through the nave and "flew" the banner over us.)
The Mass was truly exquisite and it's a real joy to see so many young folks consecrate their lives thus. We're lucky to have the Heralds at St. Pat's.
Just like we're lucky to have folks like you around. (I'd like to attend one of those meetings, btw.) We live in interesting times such that it's almost a sin ONLY to "pick up a pin" for Christ. I pray that I and others take a cue from folks like you and the Heralds.
Nite, Cp.
I was outside as they started the procession, and they did make for a brave sight on Camp Street. But the choice of music was unfortunate, with unhappy associations: the tune, composed by Handel as the anthem "See the conqu'ring hero comes" for his oratorio Judas Maccabeus, was intended by Handel as an hommage to the Duke of Cumberland, fresh from his 1746 victory over Prince Charles Edward Stuart at Culloden Moor and the savage subsequent reprisals, which extinguished hopes for a Catholic restoration in Britain.
Bonnie Prince Charlie and his son the Young Pretender James III -- "the kings over the water" -- are buried along with James's bother Cardinal Henry Stuart, at St. Peter's in Rome.
Part of me takes deep pleasure in the Heralds' appropriation of the music to honor Our Lady on her feast day, but for me it was withal a "Marseillaise" moment.