We welcomed hundreds of people to campus for our annual Christmas Brunch and Concert, featuring the beautiful music of not only the Mundelein Seminary Choir, but also Rich Daniels and the City Lights Orchestra. The day began with Mass in our Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated by Rector Father John Kartje, and was followed by a festive brunch.
A deep appreciation for the arts constitutes an integral part of the priestly formation of every seminarian. At Mundelein, we are greatly blessed with a thriving music program that includes a Latin Schola, Hispanic, Polish, African, and Vietnamese choirs, in addition to a host of talented cantors and musicians drawn from among the students and faculty. With this rich variety, we are able to enter more profoundly into the many cultural elements that are represented by liturgy in the Universal Church.
As Deacon Rob Mulderink (Theology IV, Diocese of Grand Rapids, MI) shares, “Music has always stirred up my love of God and reverence before His beauty.”
As members of our community bring their traditions and musical skills from their home parishes and dioceses, they remind us of the powerful truth that the seminary is intended to serve as the heart of every diocese. What the men are able to share here at Mundelein, they will in turn give back with renewed abundance to the communities to which the Lord calls them to minister.
This Advent Season is intended to foster in our hearts a spirit of anticipation for a renewed savoring of the miracle of our Lord’s Incarnation. The music we enjoyed only increased that anticipation, and the fellowship in a full auditorium was a heartfelt witness to the love of our God, who so desired to be with us that He took on our very flesh and blood.
Together with you in Christ, we are Mundelein. We form parish priests.
Enjoy Father John Kartje’s homily from Sunday, December 2, 2018:
