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During a papal audience in St. Peter’s Square last month, a student choir from The Ursuline School in New Rochelle soared in spirit along with the sounds of “Alleluia, Alleluia!”
“It was amazing to sing for Pope Francis,” said jubilant sophomore Taylor Moore. “The whole choir was smiling and glowing because we were so excited to finally be singing for the pope. We knew all of our hard work and hours of practicing had paid off.”
The Honors Choir, comprised of 33 girls, performed during a weeklong trip to Italy Jan 2-7.
They also sang for Pope Francis at a Papal Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on the Feast of the Epiphany, when they performed with the Sistine Chapel Choir.
“Being able to perform in the Vatican for the leader of the Catholic Church, I feel as if my faith has strengthened,” said sophomore Therese Bonoan.
“Seeing the pope’s dynamism and hearing his homilies inspired me to carry out my faith in a more enthusiastic manner,” she added.
The choir sang a beautiful rendition of Biebl’s “Ave Maria” at the Mass. When the last note drifted away, the girls could no longer contain their emotion, shedding tears of joy.
Outside in St. Peter’s Square, the girls had a more animated experience. With Pope Francis in front of them and people from all over the world behind them, the girls joyfully sang “Alleluia, Alleluia!”
“The crowd all turned to us and started taking photos and videos, even though they had no idea who we were,” said junior Maria Murljacic. “We were laughing and screaming at the end, and anyone would be able to tell we were all ecstatic. The crowd clapped and hollered and supported us.”
Junior Danielle Fucci said, “Singing to Pope Francis was so moving it brought tears to everyone’s eyes. Knowing that we had 100 percent of his attention made us all feel so thankful. He was receptive to us and made us feel connected to him as we could see him tapping his foot along to the song.”
“Seeing him applaud for us after the song was one of the biggest honors that has ever been bestowed on me,” she said.
The girls gave their hearts and soul to the music they provided, and found they received something in return—a deepening desire to grow in faith.
“It was through this experience that I finally started to realize how I could use the skills I was blessed with to serve God and follow his ways,” said freshman Quinn Hogan.
Expressing her gratitude to Ursuline for setting up the trip, she spoke to CNY about a series of “firsts.”
“It was my first time out of the country, my first time spending a week with girls I had only met this year, and my first time singing for the pope.”
The Honors Choir is directed by Dr. Jean Boehler. She accompanied the students on the weeklong trip along with School President Eileen Davidson; Assistant Principal Denise Moore; and Sister Pat Schifini, O.S.U., campus minister.
In Rome, the girls provided music at an evening Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica and in the Catacombs, and visited the Ursuline Generalate. They also sang at St. Francis Basilica in Assisi.
Freshman Megan Malave said the choir learned about the history of St. Francis Basilica, and about the saint who inspired it. “We also learned how legendary St. Francis was and the remarkable things he did for Catholics all around the world,” she said. “It made me realize why our pope chose Francis as his papal name.”
Sophomore Marianna Ceccatti said, “St. Augustine is quoted as saying ‘He who sings prays twice.’ Singing is my passion and to have the opportunity to sing for Pope Francis and people from all over the world, in the most beautiful church I have ever seen will be something I remember all of my life.”
