Tuesday, January 08, 2013

Dublin Palestrina Choir sings in Papal mass

The Palestrina Choir has taken part in the Papal mass at St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

The mass was celebrated by Pope Benedict, who ordained four new Archbishops today, the Feast of the Epiphany.

Members of the Palestrina Choir with their Director Blánaid Murphy left Dublin for Rome three days ago to prepare for the event.

The 32 boy choristers and 15 men from the ranks of the Palestrina choir sang some hymns with the Sistine Chapel Choir and are also singing Irish liturgical choral music on their own.

Archbishop of Dublin Dr Diarmuid Martin was also present for the Mass. The Palestrina Choir was installed in the Pro-Cathedral in Dublin in 1903.

During its 110-year existence it has championed the highest standards of Catholic liturgical music.

In June, the choir sang at both the opening and closing ceremonies of the International Eucharistic Congress.

Pope Benedict personally thanked the boys of the choir for taking part in the Mass at St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.