When feasting your eyes on the painting “All God’s Critters Have a Place in the Choir,” you
can affirm artist Oblate Brother Mickey McGrath’s creativity.
He depicts two-legged and four-legged creatures, crawling and flying critters,
colorfully-clad Asians, Africans, Caucasians, solemnly robed rabbi and bishop,
a bare-chested Buddha, lively sax player, dancing minstrel, and even a bird of
prey all joined in praising God!
Then, visualize this eclectic ensemble while listening to
Celtic Thunder’s foot-stomping, hand-clapping rendition of “A Place in the Choir.” Their tempo and
lyrics
Some sing low and some sing higher
Some sing out loud on the telephone wire
Some just clap their hands or paws or anything
they got, now” *
are positively contagious! Enjoying these unique “choirs” offers a sensory
experience!
The Founders’ Day Liturgy at Saint Joseph Villa showcased an
equally extra-
ordinary Choir under the dynamic direction of Mary William,
SSJ. Melody
Makers, arriving on walkers, in wheel chairs, using canes,
or stepping gingerly, many
sporting hearing aids, lifted our hearts and refreshed out
spirits! Despite any
physical limits, their hearts and voices soared through
descants (Blest Be the
Lord, You Are Called)
and rounds (Rejoice in the Lord)
expressing unbounded
joy! Surely, this
commemoration of the 365th anniversary of the founding of
the Sisters of Saint Joseph deserved such a glorious choral
tribute!
Yes, these octogenarians and nonagenarians embodied Psalm 8:
“Till the end
of my days, O Lord, I will sing your praise” bearing concrete witness to the
joy of vocation!
* Google: Celtic Thunder
Heritage, “A Place in the Choir”
Fran DeLisle SSJ
Sister Fran is a
native of Philadelphia. Her first 30 years as a Sister of Saint Joseph she
ministered in elementary and secondary schools in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Fran began ministry among “Seniors” in 1991 spending one year at Bethlehem
Retirement Village before coming to Saint Joseph Villa in 1992 where she
currently serves as the coordinator of the Guild.