A couple of weeks ago, my sister and I went to Symphony Hall for a concert of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. On that evening, several pieces were featured and among them was one piece by Strauss that was so magnificent the entire Hall rose in appreciation with thunderous applause.
There was something special about that performance. It was as if all of those in the audience were caught up in a numinous experience of such splendor that we were transported into another reality – it was almost palpable. Not being a musician or one who spends much time appreciating fine music, the collective response it evoked was unexpected and surprising to me.
In the Roman Catholic tradition, music has been foundational in our approach to glorifying God and bringing people to prayer. Whether it’s the simple solemnity of Gregorian chant or the complex grandeur of Verdi’s Requiem; the humble songs of popular devotions or the celestial-sounding choirs of cathedrals, we have always sought to lift our minds and hearts to God through music. Music frees and touches parts of us where mere words cannot reach. And when music is linked to prayer, especially in a sacred setting, Grace seems to abound.
Throughout the years in Charlestown, all who attended services at St. Catherine of Siena Church were graced with the harmonious melodies of the magnificent Baumgarten Organ. The Baumgarten, installed more than a century ago, has been a true blessing for this wonderful community, accompanying bounteous brides down the aisle, comforting grieving families who came to bury their loved ones, and providing celebratory music for those receiving sacraments.
All pipe organs require proper maintenance and, after awhile, require the rebuilding or replacing of essential parts. Such maintenance and repairs are costly. After more than 100 years of use, the Baumgarten fell into disrepair and, so, it has not been played for many years. Since the closing of the church in 2008, we have been looking for a new home for the organ. I am happy to announce that St. Catherine’s organ will be removed in the days ahead and will be rebuilt to have a prominent place at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Pensacola, Florida.
St. Paul’s Parish is offering our Parish $10,000 for the organ. Their expenses in removing and rebuilding the organ will be many thousands of dollars. We will use the $10,000 toward the planning of a restoration of the great Woodberry Harris Organ at St. Mary’s Church. This instrument is also a work of art and a treasure beyond value to our community.
In the years ahead, we will consult broadly and develop a sound plan for the Woodberry Harris Organ so that this great instrument will resound in our Church for the next one hundred years. Such an initiative will be very costly and in all of these matters, as is my custom, the Parish Pastoral and Finance Councils will be involved and all parishioners will be kept fully informed. (Click here to see pictures of these organs and learn more about their history.)
In the end, we recognize the central place of music in our prayer and worship. There are presently five weekend Masses and each one has a different style of music to appreciate all of the richness of our tradition and the cultures and tastes of our parishioners. Your support in the parish to assist us in making wonderful music available for our prayer and liturgy, now and in the future, is deeply appreciated.
- Fr. Ronan
