The recently restored St. John Cantius Church in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood hosted “Joyful & Sacred Sounds” April 11.
The musical repertoire was offered by the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums Ohio Chapter.
Father James Roach, St. John Cantius pastor, welcomed attendees and offered a history of the church, which was established in 1898 to serve Polish immigrants in the area. The church is more than just a building, he said, noting it’s been called “a living monument to the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators.” He also played a hymn on the newly restored organ, demonstrating another feature of the church.
Lorraine Dodero, chairman of the PAVM Ohio Chapter, invited Bishop Edward Malesic to share some thoughts and to open the program with a blessing.
(See photo gallery above.)
Looking around the church building, the bishop pointed out there is art everywhere – in the wood, the stained glass and the music. “God uses art to open our hearts and minds,” he said.
Art, including music, is an image if the creation of God, the bishop said, adding, “as stunning and beautiful as this church is, may be have hearts that are even more beautiful; ears to hear the music that fills our souls and eyes to see the beauty.” He also asked attendees to remember the seven seminarians who were being ordained as transitional deacons on April 13.
Dodero said philanthropists restore priceless art at the Vatican museums. “As Father Jim said, this church is restored. At the Vatican, many people like PAVM donate to restore art so people can continue to enjoy it.” The Ohio PAVM chapter has more than 250 members, making it one of the largest chapters. There are 18 chapters in the United States and several more in Europe.
“Not everyone can go to Rome or St. Peter’s to see the art,” Dodero said, but there are photos of the artworks available online as well as information about them. She called the performers “a passionate group” and said the music chosen for the performance was intended to bring “joy, peace, serenity and spiritual uplifting” and to allow attendees “to reflect on the Lord and to be able to appreciate his glory.”
Dodero said one of her three grandchildren was at the event and noted how they help her see the world through a child’s eyes and provide another reason to give thanks to God for all that is in her life.
“I hope when you hear the music tonight that it lifts you up and fills you with joy, and that you will walk away feeling secure and with a sense of joy,” she said.
It was the first time the group performed together. The performers were Ashley Nemeh, lead vocals; Claire Connelly and Maria Didonato, background vocals; Patty Zinn, a pianist who has accompanied Nemeh for many years; Antimo Bovenzi, guitarist; and Trevor Kazarian, cellist.
After the performance, PAVM members went across the street to Dante’s for an Italian dinner.
Click here, call 440-498-1300, or email vaticanpatronsoh@aol.com for more information on PAVM Ohio Chapter or Joyful Sacred Sounds.