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‘Psallam Deo Meo’- ‘I will sing to my God’ is the motto chosen by Cardinal Domenico Bartolucci and featured on his emblem. A very justified motto considering a life dedicated to enrich and exalt the sacred liturgy through music.
Cardinal and Maestro Domenico Bartolucci is celebrating his birthday today, 7th May. Celebrating birthdays is always a blessing but celebrating 96 years is noteworthy. Born in Firenze, Bartolucci is known for his vast contribution in the sacred musical field, both as a composer and as director. He is the Maestro Perpetuo of the Sistine Chapel and of the Accademia Nazionale of Santa Cecilia. He conducted the Vatican Choir from 1956, right after Perosi death, till 1997. On 20 November 2010, Pope Benedict XVI elevated him to the College of Cardinals.
“Life is worth living.” “The beauty of life.” Music is incorporated well in our daily lives as we listen to music almost all the time, usually even unknowingly. It is all underlined through the fact that this could be considered to be a language which is understood by everyone. Music is the answer to all the questions we have popping up in our minds. It heals the soul and can change one’s mood in a matter of seconds. Everyone has their own perceptions about music but finding people who do not like listening to music is close to impossible. This makes us come to think of the people who are directly related to music and who produce music themselves. One cannot explain the feelings a composer goes through while they are composing and producing music of their own. Yet again, this brings to mind those who are then working directly or indirectly with musical pieces.
A new day has started with the church bells joyfully ringing and announcing to the world that Christ is risen.
Silence prevails on this day. Mass is not celebrated during the day and the Easter Vigil starts late at night. This celebration is the longest and the most symbolic for the Roman Catholic Church.
According to the Church's ancient tradition, sacraments are not celebrated on Good Friday or on Holy Saturday. At Ta’ Pinu National Shrine the Celebration of the Lord's Passion, traditionally known as the ‘The Veneration of the Cross’ was celebrated at three o'clock in the afternoon. The service is particularly solemn and significant. Schola Cantorum executed sacred polyphony a cappella while the organ and other instruments were not played in today’s sober liturgy.