Ave Verum Corpus

"Hail, true Body" (of Christ) is the translated title of Mozart's Ave Verum Corpus. This is, a glorious work of Faith which, in my opinion, sums up the basis of our Catholic doctrine. Greg Labus while codirector of the Corpus Christi Cathedral choirs best described this work as the "Alma Mater" of the cathedral (of sorts). It is my hope and prayer that the Lord Bless Father Labus in his ministry, that he may glorify God alway; may Greg hear the Choirs of Angels and may they be his divine inspiration to praise God through sung prayer. Amen.

All Creatures of our God and King

These are the lyrics to the hymn as sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in the video. What a glorious way to start this Memorial Day weekend. (HQ on the video provides a much higher quality audio. If you received this as an e-mail, you must go to the website to view the video. Enjoy!)

All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing
Alleluia, Alleluia
O burning sun with golden beams
O silver moon with softer sheen
Alleluia, Alleluia
Alleluia, O praise Him
Alleluia

O rushing wind that art so strong
Ye clouds that sail in heaven along
Alleluia, Alleluia
O rising morning praise, rejoice
Ye lights of evening find a voice
Alleluia, Alleluia
Alleluia, O praise Him
Alleluia

O flowing water pure and clear
Make music for thy Lord to hear
Alleluia, Alleluia
Thou fire so masterful and bright
That gives to man both warmth and light
Alleluia, Alleluia
Alleluia, O praise Him
Alleluia

Sing bother earth who day by day
Unfoldest blessing on our way
Alleluia, Alleluia
O flowers and fruits that in the...
...story also show
Alleluia, Alleluia
Alleluia, O praise Him
Alleluia

National Cathedral in Washington

This is intended for the beginner organ enthusiast who may not know too much about the inner workings of a pipe organ. I hope that you find this enlightening as well as inspiring. Please share with your friends and all those who enjoy the beauty of the official instrument of the church. God Bless You. Let us all keep praying for each other.

Frederick Swann Festal Flourish at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Please share with others who may appreciate the majesty of the organ in the house of God. For all those of you who sing your praise to God and/or play to give Glory to the Almighty.

Olivier Latry Cathedral of Notre Dame

Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, France. I know that I am usually talking about Texas...not today. Sometimes you just have to let the music transcend your soul. Enjoy.

Frederick Swann Trumpet Tune

Praise the Lord with trumpet and organ...

Our Lady of San Juan del Valle

Yes we have a choir! Under the direction of Rev. Greg Labus, the Shrine of our Lady of San Juan del Valle has a (SATB) choir which is composed of musicians from through out the valley. The "Schola Cantorum" (school for cantors) sings from traditional hymns to the master works. Rev. Labus is an outstanding musician. He along with the rector of the Shrine, Eduarto Ortega, continue to inspire the valley faithful to sing to the glory of God. Schedule a trip to the shrine and hear the Schola (choir) sing (as scheduled). They are one of the hidden gems of the Rio Grande Valley. Pass the word.

Prayer to St. Cecilia

Saint Cecilia, heroic martyr

Who stayed faithful to Jesus your divine bridegroom,

Give us faith to rise above our persecutors

And to see in them the image of our Lord.

We know that you were a musician

And are told that you heard angels sing.

Inspire musicians to gladden the hearts of people

By filling the air with God's gift of music and reminding them of

The Divine Musician Who created all beauty.

Amen.

St. Anthony's Cathedral, Beaumont Texas

Recently restored...what a gem! They just don't make such magnificent temples to the glory of God (seems to be divinely inspired) as the Cathedral in Beaumont, Texas. A picture is worth a thousand words; maybe, but this church and its ambiance were meant to be felt to truly allow oneself to feel the awesome presence of God. A must see for everyone.

St. Mary's Cathedral Austin, Texas

St. Mary's Cathedral in Austin, Texas! It is one of my favorite Texas Cathedrals. I don't know why; I just feel a special attachment to it. Above are photos of the church. You have to be in the church to experience it's true beauty. God Bless Ya'll. Go Horns Go!

Co Cathedral of Galveston/Houston

The new co-cathedral for the Diocese of Galveston (actually located in Houston) is a beautiful structure that I understand is quite striking. I have not been there yet but I need to make the trip soon. If you are out in the Houston area, please stop and let me know what the sound/acoustics are like and please say a prayer for me and all in need. The photos are of the co-cathedral. I hope you enjoy. If you take any photos while you are there, please e-mail me a copy so that I may post. onazol19@gmail.com God Bless You.

Hail Holy Queen

Hail Holy Queen enthroned above, O Maria

Hail Mother of mercy and of love, O Maria

Triumph all ye Cherubim

Sing with us ye Seraphim

Heaven and earth resound the hymn

Salve, Salve, Salve Regina

Love Yo' Landa

Happy Mother' Day

to

Yolanda M. Vega

from your family that

Loves you so much

"Thanks for never letting us giveup"

May God Bless You

May He keep you in His loving arms

May He strenthen you always

May He guide and protect you

May He send St. Michael to be your shield

May He hear the prayers of St. Jude who intercedes for you

May the Virgin Mary be your shining star and patroness

to pray for you now and always

in the name of the

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Amen.

sent from your mom, brothers and sisters, Arturo, Artie, and Amber

To Dallas with Love

Happy Mother's Day to

Liz Dial Moreno and Crystal Moreno Segura

from your family that loves and prays for you.

May God Keep you in His Loving care

May you always be happy and know that you are loved

May our Mother Mary be your inspiration and patroness

May St. Michael be at your side watching and guarding

And may Our Lord, Jesus Christ give you the Grace to

be a true reflection of His Mother, Mary

God Bless You in the name of the

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Amen.

sent from Grandma and Uncle Ram with lots of Love

Love You Grandma

Yolanda Garcia Moreno

Happy Mother's Day

to my mom who is beyond words

you have always been with me

and continue to do so...

I love you very much

May God Bless You

May Jesus Christ have mercy on you

May the Virgin Mary pray for you

May St. Michael protect and guide you

May St. Jude intercede for you

in the name of the

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Amen.

sent from Meeno

To Mom with Love

Happy Mother's Day

Julie Rangel

from your family who loves you

and cares for you

May God Bless You Always

Love

Joshua, Jacob, and Grandma

and your whole Family

sent from Meeno

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day

Melinda M. Garcia

Love and Kisses

from all of us who love you

Bobby, Nicky, Joey, and James

Thank You for all you do...

May God Bless You Always

Keep praying and have faith

God is always with you and loves you

May God grand you the strength for whatever comes yourway

May you know that He loves you and surrounds you with love

May the Virgin Mary be in you heart to show you her mother's love and

May St. Michael protect you

Love your family

you give us strength...

sent from Meeno & Grandma and all your family

Love You Mom

Happy Mother's Day

to

Julissa Rangel

from you loving sons

Joshua & Jacob

we love you

We appreciate you so much for caring for us

Ave Maria

Ave Maria, gratia plena
Dominus tecum

Benedicata tu in mulieribus

Et benedictus fructus ventri tui Jesus

Sancta Maria, Mater Dei

Ora pro nobis pecatoribus

Nunc et in hora mortis nostrae

Amen.

(Prayer to the Virgin Mary)

this is the "Hail Mary" in latin...please learn it. There will be a quiz.

Happy Mother's Day

Well, its Mother's Day. I hope each of you spends time with your mother either present or departed. I still have my mom with me but I know quite a few who's moms have passed away. If you can't spend the day with your mother than pray for your mother and ask that she pray of you. (please pray with me...)

Heavenly Father, we ask that you guide and guard our mothers on their journey through this earth. Be their inspiration and example of patience and forgiveness. For our departed mothers, grant unto them eternal rest and Thy beatific vision. Love them and care for them till we meet again in Thy loving arms.

Most Holy Mother Mary, intercede for our mothers where ever they may be. Let your mantle cover them and be their impenetrable fortress against the foe. As you held your Son Jesus, also hold our departed mothers that they may join the angels and saints in praising God forever. Amen.

Happy Mother's Day

God Bess You and your Mother

Deo Gratia

Today, I was reminded of the love and care that God has for us all. It seems that when it rains, it pours, yet I have noticed that tests are often a result of our pride or vanity. We say, think, do, or believe that we are above all things and that we could never sink to the level of others; and by doing so, we are tested. Tested is not quite what some would like to hear; but, nonetheless tested we are. If we say we can handle anything, than brother, be prepared to see what comes your way. If we say, "I'm not like so and so, I would never...", be careful, never may come sooner than you think. If we judge others on our perfect (in our eyes) lives; than our lives may soon be changed drastically. Whatever that case, God hears us and sometimes He doesn't like what He hears.

I have been tested and continue to be. It is because of my sin of pride that I am brought to my knees. It is my own word that mocks God and therefore; He chastises me as a father does his son, because He wants me to mend my life and change my judgemental attitude towards my fellow man. God does bring down the rain (trials/tests) to humble us and remind us of our faults so that we may repent, ask for forgiveness, and be more compassionate towards all...regardless of who we think they are.

Today I was reminded that DOMINUS (the Lord) is in charge of all. Through our suffering and trials, He works His will and lovingly blesses us with what we need, not what we want. Deo gratia (thank God) for this day that Thou has given me and my family. Thank you Jesus Christus (Jesus Christ) for Thy compassion and love. Thank you Sancta Maria, Mater Dei (Holy Mary, Mother of God) for Thy prayers of intersession. Thank you St. Jude for your miraculous prayers to our Lord on our behalf. Thank you St. Michael for your intervention and protection in our spiritual war against the evil one. And thank everyone who prays for our intentions and those of all in need.

This was a beautiful day that our Omnipotens Deus (all powerful God) has given us. Though we are not worthy, His mercy endures forever. Deo gratia Dominum nostrum per misericordia tua. Amen. (Thank you God, our Lord for thy mercy. Amen.)

Practice, Polish, Perfect...

As Americans, we often see things from a different view point than the rest of the world. If a song is twenty years old, it is a classic; never mind whether twenty years ago it was popular or not, it is still considered a classic. A few years ago, I had the rare opportunity to tour Europe with a church choral group. It was eye opening. What to us is antique or classic, doesn't compare in the "old world". One of the major differences I saw, was the still standard hymn usage for the assembly and the choral masterpiece for meditative prayer. It was a comfort to hear people of all types sing hymns older that the United States with still as much life and meaning as when they were first written.

In the U.S. we tend to sing songs of praise because they are in fashion or because they are the favorite (usually because the musician can play it) of the music group that is "performing" at church. I have on many occasions heard musicians/choir directors ask each other, "what are we singing today?" (usually 5 minutes before Mass begins). And we wonder, why we don't feel anything as Mass with regards to the music. As a church musician, I believe that music for the Liturgy (Mass) should be the best that we can offer. It should require practice, polishing, perfection, but never "performance". If it is performances that motivate a musician, than the church is NOT the place to do it. Music should be a service and offering to the Almighty who gave us the gift of music to use for His glory.

That is why we should do all that we can to preserve the beauty of traditional music for the assembly to join in sung prayer. The hymns should reflect (tie in with) the readings of the day and invite the congregation to pray (sing) the psalmody. If a choral piece is used, it is intended to uplift the silent prayer (meditation) during a special time in the Liturgy such as after communion as people kneel (not sit) in reverence after receiving the Eucharist (true Body of Christ).

Next time you see your church musician, first of all thank them for serving in a music ministry; second, tell them which songs you enjoy singing with them; third, ask them to sing an old favorite hymn so that your children and you do not lose the beauty of the classic favorite hymn heritage of our church, and if that musician is you...practice, polish, perfect, and serve. May God Bless You. St. Cecilia, pray for us.

St. Cecilia is the patron saint of musicians.

Carry Our Cross

A friend of mine once told me that God gives us the cross that we must each carry...

When we can no longer bear the weight of the wood and stumble and fall, He is there to help us with our cross, usually in the form of a friend or relative who happens to come along at the right moment. How many times haven't we fallen? I know that no matter how many times I am tempted and fall, God has always forgiven me and called me to Him.

If you or I can help someone in spiritual need, we should rejoice in being given the opportunity to be God's messenger of hope. I encourage you to e-mail me your stories of how you have seen the face of God. Sometimes we feel alone and unwanted, yet He is always waiting for us to swallow our pride and call Him. Please pray for me and all others in need. If you can't pray, sing. He gave us our voice (whether we like it or not) it was meant to be lifted up in sung praise. I am reminded of the lyrics to an old hymn:

All creatures of our God and King

Lift up your voice and with us sing

Alleluia, Alleluia

O golden sun with golden gleam

And silver moon with softer sheen

O praise Him, O praise Him,

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Novena to Saint Jude

St. Jude, Patron of Hopeless Causes

O Holy, Saint Jude, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need, to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition. In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. Saint Jude pray for us who invoke your aid. Amen.

Say three Our Fathers, three Hail Marys and Glorias. Publication must be promised. This novena (nine day pray) has never been known to fail. I have had my request granted. Publication promised.

Corpus Christi Cathedral Music

If you enjoy music in a solemn church setting, where song meets prayer; you should consider traveling to Corpus Christi, Texas and visit the Corpus Christi Cathedral (on Lipan and Upper Broadway). The cathedral is a Spanish style church and houses the Kenedy Memorial Pipe Organ (a 90 plus rank instrument).

The Cathedral Music program is one of the best church music programs in the nation. It is home to the Pontifical Chorale an 80 member auditioned adult SATB choir. (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass - just in case you forgot from your choir days) The chorale is accompanied by members of the Corpus Christi Symphony and the grand pipe organ. The chorale sings on Sundays at the 9:30 am televised Mass. The Pontifical Chorale has been invited to the Vatican in Rome to sing for the Holy Father on several occasions and during his trips to the US. Singing at the 12:00 noon Mass is the 60 voiced Cathedral Youth Choir (SATB). The Schola Cantorum (men's Gregorian Chant ensemble) sings on Saturdays while the children's Cherub Choir sings once a month. The adult Hand Bell Choir rings at special liturgies and events.

All of this was started by Lee Gwoetz and Greg Labus, co-directors. Greg has continued his ministry as Rev. Labus with the neighboring Diocese of Brownsville. Lee is currently director of music and is a fantastic musician/organist who travels presenting workshops and seminars on liturgical music. The Cathedral is truly the gem of the city. Located on the bluff over looking the bay, it is a must see for all faithful. While there, get information on their Cathedral Concert Series which brings performing artists from around the world. Artists include the Bonn Orchestra from Germany, Vienna Boy's Choir from Austria, Westminster Boy's Choir from England, and many more (all performances are free). But above all, the best part of your visit to the cathedral is their warmth and hospitality. I often travel (the three hour trip) to Corpus Christi on Sundays just to sing and pray in the beautiful Cathedral by the sparkling sea. A place where you feel the true presence of God.

For information on CD recordings of the choirs, please contact the cathedral Office of Music Liturgy. The recordings are magnificent.

Amazing Grace

If words alone could lift the heart, then consider those uplifting phrases set to music. Since the creation of man, we have strived to give thanks, praise, honor, gratitude, glory, and love to our Lord. It seems that only through the silence of meditation; we may trully find His Word. Yet often we are swept away by a whisper of a song. The beating of our hearts pounds all the more loudly and our emotions soar as our spirits rise heavenward to embrace God...then trully it is His Amazing Grace that empowers us to seek and to find God through sung prayer. Sacred music is not words, nore notes, or even beautiful melodies. It is the union of mind, heart, spirit, and hope that helps us transend our daily existance and be brought out of darkness into the Holy Light. Therefore it is much more appropriate so say, "...I once was lost; but now am found, was blind; but now I see."