By Joan Zombek
“I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them.”
– Evangelii Gaudium
“A labor of love and creativity” are words that come to mind in describing the spiritually inspiring and uplifting Lenten cantata, Encounter. Google defines a cantata as a “poem, story or play set to music to be sung by a chorus and soloists.” Steve Raml skillfully selected and combined these elements to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’ election to the papacy.
Steve focused on Pope Francis’ frequent invitation to encounter Christ in the Eucharist and in each other in his homilies and writings (Raml, Steve. Encounter. Mar. 2025, p. 1), and chose to include excerpts of these narrated by “The Voices of Pope Francis”, Rachel, Rob, and Joe (Raml, Steve, p.4). The themes continued throughout the musical selections that followed, with the thoughtful, moving lyrics sung by soloists and backed by the entire parish choir. There were also opportunities for the congregation to add their own voices.
The cantata opened with the recognition that God created the heavens and earth expressed in the hymn It Was Good. Our journey through the most notable works of Pope Francis continued with narration and music in recognition of Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), Laudato Si (On the Care for Our Common Home), Misericordia Vultus (Announcing the Year of Mercy), Tender Hearted (from a 2015 Homily in Bolivia), Revolution of Tenderness (inspired by a 2017 TED Talk given by Pope Francis), and Wake the World with Dawning Joy (inspired by a 2014 address to the Union of Religious Superiors General). Additional musical selections included An Instrument of Your Peace (inspired by the Peace Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi) and Choose to Hope (song for the year of hope).
It was clear that every music-ministry member and narrator had dedicated him or herself to working collectively and cooperatively with the ensemble to deliver an inspiring production that was enthusiastically received by all in attendance. As a “Voice of Pope Francis,” Rachel shared that “it was an honor and a privilege to participate in the cantata”, adding that “the Lord’s gift of music brings me such joy.” When asked about her experience with this cantata, Lynn, a choir member for 11 years, expressed her enjoyment as she noted that “it’s a lot of work, but it is just so wonderful, it’s worth it, and I just love to sing.” Percussionist Rene spoke about the “blessing that it is to be with this group . . . Steve is a great director . . . they love the music he puts together, and he gives us all a chance, an opportunity to shine.” It was fascinating to discover that Rene does not read music, but plays percussion “by ear,” following the director, listening to the music, following one instrument (sometimes the piano or guitar), and the singers.
Alicia, one of our youngest musicians, has been playing the cello for eight years and she is joyful at being able to continue doing so as a parish musician. She found everyone here to be “welcoming and lovely, especially Steve and Terri and it just made my passion grow even more.” Sam, our youngest member, recounted his desire to sing with the choir when he met Steve several years ago, but at that time he was too young. As time went on, Sam participated in school plays and musicals, sometimes as a lead, which led to him joining the choir when he was old enough. His first solo included the Gospel acclamation at Mass. Although he admitted to being a bit nervous at first, Sam remembered how “cool” it was to participate in this cantata as a soloist.
Carmen, a Minister of Hospitality who often works at the parish events that she attends, labeled this cantata “just amazing . . . the singers are so committed to bringing the word of the Lord to us through music.” Other parishioners were also vocal about their appreciation for the dedication and hard work of the entire music ministry. Noemi described the cantata as “amazing”, adding “I enjoyed it . . . it was uplifting. It was relaxing, I was all ears.” Father Williams “loved it, and acknowledged the effort of every individual who participated in making this cantata possible.
Before we know it, it will be time for the Advent/Christmas Cantata, and another opportunity to be inspired by the talents of our music ministry.
Reference:
Raml, Steve. Encounter. Mar. 2025
