unnamed-3On Wednesday, September 23rd, our very own Fr. Damian Park, OFM will sing for Pope Francis as part of a multi-choir assembly at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

Fr. Damian will sing a short solo during a prelude concert, which begins at 3:15pm on Sept. 23, an hour prior to the Canonization Mass of Junípero Serra, which will be celebrated by the Pope at 4:15pm in front of the Basilica.

The song that Fr. Damian will sing as part of the choir is titled “Beati Pacifici” (Blessed Peacemakers), and it is about the Sermon on the Mount,which is found in Matthew chapter 5.  Versus will be sung in many languages, including: Bengali, Spanish, Russian, Swahili, French, Cantonese, English and Fr. Damian’s native Korean.

While stationed at Holy Name College as a post-novitiate in Silver Spring, Maryland, Fr. Damian sang with the St. Camillus Multicultural Choir.  St. Camillus is another Franciscan church in Holy Name Province; the same Province as St. Anthony Shrine.

Br. John Aherne, OFM, another Friar who is currently in residence here at St. Anthony Shrine, will be part of a delegation of brothers, sisters, and seminarians who may have an opportunity to meet with the Holy Father before the Mass as well.  Br. Mario Gomez, OFM, Director of the Shrine’s Latino Ministry, will also be attending the liturgy.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is located on the campus of The Catholic University of America, and thus CUA will provide online live streaming video from its campus throughout the day on Sept. 23.  Perhaps you can catch a glimpse of Fr. Damian’s solo or Br. John in audience with the Pope!  You can also check out the CUA symphony in rehearsal for the concert here.

According to the CUA website: “EWTN is planning to broadcast live TV coverage throughout the day, as are Catholic TV, Salt + Light TV, andNew Evangelization Television.”