Passionist Music Ministry A Commentary on "History of the Monastery Choir" by Father Lawrence Moeslein, C.P.
By Father Xavier Hayes, C.P.
Father Lawrence Moeslein, C.P.
Introduction by Fr. Rob Carbonneau, C.P., Editor
Music has been an important part of Passionist religious life and ministry. The two articles in this issue of The Passionist Heritage Newsletter invite readers to reflect on this topic. Traditionally, Passionists may sing together during their times at common prayer. Over the years, Passionist-sponsored retreat houses and parishes in the eastern United States have upheld the importance of music ministry in a way that reflects the theological and cultural values of the Passionists and people who worship and pray at a particular location. In other cases, individual Passionists or friends of the Passionists have shared their musical abilities to enhance the Gospel message.
This unsolicited article by Father Xavier Hayes, C.P. provides a means to learn about that Passionist music ministry of the past. Passionist seminary education gave him a first-hand experience of sacred music. He took his vows in 1952 and was ordained in 1959. In 1965 he received an M.A. in Liturgy from The University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana. As a teacher, member of a retreat or parish staff, preacher, or community member he has continued to nurture and express his love for music.
This article represents Father Hayes' long time desire to study the historical roots of Passionist music ministry. He has breathed life into a nineteenth century document by Father Moeslein. Even though this essay describes the former St. Michael's Monastery Church in then West Hoboken, [now Union City] New Jersey—with imagination we can hear music practice or the performance of the choir at Mass—it names an experience of Passionist music ministry that still touches many a contemporary believer or listener. Father Hayes' fine historical analysis reminds us that all of us hold the creative responsibility to support the Passionist musical tradition. Presently Father Xavier Hayes is a member of the Passionist Historical Commission. He resides at the Passionist community in Pelham, New York.
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