Let our minds be in harmony with our voices – Fr. Augustine

My dear brothers and sisters, today we are celebrating the memorial of Saint Cecilia, virgin and martyr. This saint was martyred in the second or third century at Rome and she is one of most honored martyrs since the early years of the Church.

At the martyrdom of Cecilia, it is said that as she died she sang to God. It is also written that as the musicians were played at her wedding, she sang in her heart to the Lord.

Therefore, she is the acclaimed patroness of music, especially church music, as well as that of musicians, composers, instrument makers and poets.

On the memorial of Saint Cecilia let us give thanks to our cantors and accompanist; Abbot Joel, Br. Bernadin, Br. David and Br. Luke. May we consider, then, as we are a chorus of monks, how we ought to behave in the presence of God, and let us stand to sing our prayers in such a way that our minds are in harmony with our voices.