Saturday, September 8, 2012

O Gloriosa Virginum

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
 
Three years ago today I was a guest in the Benedictine Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Silver City, New Mexico. I kept the hours the week I was there, so I was able to hear the beautiful plainchant sung in choir. There was a wealth of spiritual singing that will stay with me to the end of my days, but one hymn to our Lady stands out in my memory. I've heard the hymn done well in other places at other times, but the simple chant of the brothers in that monastery remains my favorite. The brothers sang it several times during the week, and at some point it occurred to me to snag a bit of it with my phone's audio recorder. Have a listen to this amateur bit of video and audio handiwork.
 
 
O Gloriosa Virginum
 
Imagine having that sung for you on your birthday.

2 comments:

Mary L said...

Thanks for this Sean. My big sister entered the Carmelite convent in Quievriane, Belgium on this day 32 years ago.
On another note, one of my teens passed as I was playing the audio and said, "Ooo nice Mom, fwd me that site!"
Still praying for your Dad and also for your Mom's soul.
Best regards from Michigan

Mary said...

Beautiful, Sean. Happy Birthday to Our Lady!

Thank you for sharing your trip and the beautiful description of the monastery. We are so glad that it was untouched by the fires that came so close to their valley this year.

Your viewers might also appreciate knowing that Fr. Cyprian's father has passed this week and appreciate the opportunity to pray for the repose of his soul. The note at our chapel says that he died on Sept. 3, feast of St. Pius X and today would be his First Saturday, the birthday of Our Lady.

May God rest his soul and comfort his family, especially the Benedictines.