As we celebrate Mother’s Day and honor all the many attributes of motherhood and those special women in our life, we also must remember the greatest mother of them all, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and all the songs that have been sung in praise of all she signifies as the mother of our Lord.
Tuned Into Faith
How Harry Belafonte and Irving Burgie Helped Popularize Caribbean Calypso Music
With the passing of Harry Belafonte at 96 years old, America has lost one of its most unique and important voices in the civil rights movement.
Only in Print: Juilliard-Trained Priest Prays, and Plays, for His Divine Mercy Parish
Father Thomas Vassalotti’s love of classical music permeates the three churches in the Divine Mercy Parish of Williamsburg: St. Cecilia Church, St. Francis of Paola Church, and St. Nicholas.
Director’s Oratorio Based on Passion of Christ Through the Eyes of Immigrants
Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph Music Director Alejandro Zuleta is preparing for the premiere of his highly anticipated “El Oratorio Panhispánico,” an inspired new take on the Passion of Christ through the lens of Hispanic immigrants.
Priceless Honor Bestowed Upon Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa
While many legendary musicians, including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Celia Cruz, have appeared on U.S. postage stamps, only one, Ellington, has ever been honored on a U.S. coin.
God’s Love Crosses Continents With African/Caribbean Music
Ten years ago, Sophie Nsougan had just immigrated to the United States from Togo in West Africa. While looking to find work, Nsougan took the opportunity to help introduce and integrate the unique sounds of her native country into the Mass at St. Joseph’s Church in Jamaica, Queens.
Competellos Express Their Faith Through Music
Don and Diane Competello have more in common than your average husband and wife. The married couple, who will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in June, have both served as music directors at St. Margaret Roman Catholic Church in Middle Village for the last 12 years, and they are both longtime educators.
The Spirit of Christmas Is Alive and Well At the Emmaus Center
One of Brooklyn’s premier music halls, the Emmaus Center, is planning a Christmas spectacular featuring a star-studded cavalcade of some of popular music’s biggest stars.
Golden-Voiced Tenor Macchio Honored to Perform at Emmaus
While Christopher Macchio is a world-renowned tenor who has performed in some of the most esteemed venues around the globe, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Apollo Theater, and the White House, he holds a special place in his heart for the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Emmaus Center.
Only in Print: Msgr. Ferrari Shares How Country Music Has Always Inspired Him
When country legend Charley Pride asked the musical question “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone” in his chart-topping hit from 1970, he probably did not envision a young graduate from Cathedral College Seminary in Queens, New York driving across New York State in a used pickup truck listening to his music.