Shepherds’ Field
January 30, 2018
Hearing the voices of angels singing on high of a great message, shepherds are told of a baby being born in Bethlehem and lying in a manger.
While we were visiting the place where this happened, our group learned about the site, its caves, and its chapels, and had Mass and Confessions. However, my favorite part was singing with the Schola. Our small ensemble sang at Mass in the cave chapel and also in the church above it. While we were in the church singing, other people were coming in the church to listen to us. People from all over the world gathered in one place for one reason, Jesus Christ. “And suddenly there was a multitude of heavenly hosts with the angel, praising God saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.’” (Luke 2:13-14) For a moment it felt as if there were heavenly hosts there that day singing on high once again. I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to take part in this.
We sang a song called “There Is No Rose.” It sounded beautiful singing it in the church, especially with its dome ceiling. Our voices echoed through the entire structure and brought tears to the eyes of those listening to us and to my eyes as well. Our director and classmate, Br. Matthew, did a wonderful job guiding the choir to sing as one voice praising God. Imagine the singing of angels echoing in the land for the shepherds, then 2,000 years later at the same location we gathered to sing: “There is no rose of such virtue, Alleluia Alleluia”.
By Joshua Link (Archdiocese of Dubuque)
Video by Michael Lewis (Diocese of El Paso)
