Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church and the FIU School of Music and will together present a Solemn Vigil Mass on the Eve of All Saint’s Day on Friday, October 31st at 7:30pm at St. Patrick’s on Miami Beach. The Mass will be officiated by His Excellency the Archbishop of Miami Thomas Wenski and will be broadcast live on the Global Catholic Network, EWTN. FIU’s Choral Conductor S. Mark Aliapoulios will lead the FIU Concert Choir and the FIU Symphony Orchestra as they perform Mozart’s sacred work “Missa Solemnis.”
When asked how this partnership came to fruition, FIU Vocal Studies Director Robert B. Dundas explained “I am a congregant at St. Patrick’s. I was approached by Father Roberto Cid who had wanted a performance of the Mozart Mass for many years, but had been unsuccessful in his search to find an ensemble who could do it. I knew immediately that our elite choral ensemble, the FIU Concert Choir, would perform beautifully. As time passed, more people became involved in the project and we are now very fortunate to have the Archbishop of Miami celebrating the Mass as well. I am very happy that we have established this wonderful partnership with St. Patrick’s Church. It has one of the most beautiful sanctuaries in South Florida and the pastor and his entire congregation seem very receptive to having FIU music faculty, ensembles, and students perform there.”
The Mass will feature the Saint Patrick Church Choir conducted by Brother Mark Spencer, the church’s Director of Music and Liturgy. They will be accompanied by pianist Jared Peroune and Principal Cantor Steven Wilson.
According to Father Cid, “this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience, music, art, and beauty. In the context of the celebration of the greatest gift of God, the gift of Himself in the Eucharist. Beauty is one of the ways that enable the human spirit to the contemplation of God who not only is beautiful, but beauty itself and the source of all beauty.”
The community is invited to attend at no charge.
Address: St. Patrick Catholic Church, 3716 Garden Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140
For more information: St. Patrick Catholic Church; Tel.: 305-531-1124
