SANTA CECILIA CONCERT IN HONOR OF THE POPE

VATICAN CITY, NOV 22, 2003 (VIS) - This afternoon in the Paul VI Hall, the Pope attended a concert of sacred music given in his honor by the Italian Association of St. Cecilia, whose feast is celebrated today, upon the centenary of the 'motu proprio' by Pope Pius X 'Tra le sollecitudini,' on sacred music.

At the end of the concert, in which various choruses sang 'The Passion according to St. Mark' by Msgr. Lorenzo Perosi, the Pope expressed his gratitude for the gift of a bell which was engraved with the biblical expression 'Cantate Domino canticum novum.'

'Your association,' said the Holy Father, 'is dedicated to St. Cecilia who is popularly known as the patron of music. This young Roman martyr invites believers to walk faithfully toward an encounter with Christ, blessing our earthly pilgrimage with the joy of song and music. May St. Cecilia accompany each and every one of you, dear brothers and sisters, from heaven, and help you to fully realize your mission in the Church.'

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