Litany of St. Joseph Concert: A night of hope

3/24/2025

Written by Sean Lynn, God Squad Canada.

Where to begin when recounting the extraordinary events of March 17th, 2025, at the Jack Singer Concert Hall? Does one trace the genesis back to the August 2020 God Squad board meeting, where the seed of this ambitious project was first planted? Or perhaps, to the hushed intensity of the orchestra rehearsal, a day prior? Should we linger on the anticipation of a family, eager to experience the music’s premiere, unsullied by rehearsal clips? Or capture the surreal arrival of the video team, greeted by the ethereal strains of Gregorian chant in the lobby?

The journey to this Jubilee Year “Pilgrims of Hope” event was indeed a long and winding one but let us begin with the intimate dinner hosted by the God Squad board, welcoming Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič, Bishop William McGrattan, and Bishop Gregory Bittman. Amidst a warm meal and lively conversation, a sense of anticipation permeated the air. Soon, the group crossed the street, entering the concert hall to find a vibrant scene: a bustling ticket office, a lobby filled with excited attendees from across the diocese, and a palpable sense of expectation. A slight delay ensued as the numerous choirs adjusted to the stage, but the atmosphere remained charged.

From backstage, as Bishop McGrattan and the Nuncio prepared, the sight of countless smiling faces radiated hope. Tony Rino, the evening’s MC, took the stage, and Bishop McGrattan opened with a heartfelt prayer. The Apostolic Nuncio followed, inviting the audience into the contemplative space of the Litany.

The concert unfolded, a tapestry woven with diverse voices and profound expressions of faith. The 68-strong St. Vincent Liem choir launched the evening with a powerful tribute to St. Joseph, setting a tone of reverence. The Sainte-Famille Choir’s moving Agnus Dei transitioned into a gospel-infused celebration of the Holy Spirit. The “Vatican Choir,” the Blessed Iwene, Nigerian Igbo Catholic Community Calgary, captivated with their traditional attire and harmonious Igbo melodies. The Bishop McNally High School Choir offered a youthful and hopeful performance, followed by the delicate grace of the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy Choir- The St. Hildegard Society. The first half concluded with international singer Michelle Todd, whose crystal-clear voice rendered captivating renditions of Ave Maria and Our Father, moving Tony Rino to tears.

Intermission buzz was filled with awe and anticipation. Then, composer and conductor Carlos Foggin invited the audience to “allow the music to transport you to a place of reflection and prayer.” Concertmaster Theresa Dumbrique gracefully led the orchestra in tuning, and then, a hush fell as Carlos raised his baton. The opening chimes, reminiscent of church bells, ushered in a sacred atmosphere. The Kyrie Eleison, resonated with profound intensity, holding the audience captive until the final, glorious Amen.

Describing the experience is a challenge. A “soul-penetrating performance,” as one attendee put it, captured the essence of the moment. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with calls for a repeat performance and a sense of witnessing something truly historic. The lobby shimmered with an electric energy as attendees processed the profound experience.

The days following the concert brought a flood of heartfelt testimonials. One attendee noted the significance of the diverse choirs, highlighting the universal nature of the Church in Calgary. Bishop McGrattan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the unity he felt as choir members joined for the Litany. Another shared their emotional response, moved to tears by the devotion to St. Joseph. The St. Vincent Liem choir expressed a desire to participate in future events, demonstrating the profound impact on their youth. Fr. Wilbert spoke of the graces flowing from this Jubilee Year event.

Maria and Ian Doll offered a succinct and powerful summary: “Hats off to God Squad Canada, Carlos Foggin, all the singers, musicians, and volunteers that made the World Premier of the orchestral and choral Litany of Saint Joseph a powerful evening of witness, worship, and unity. Each choir was superb and unique in their choice of songs and expression. Carlos’ introduction of the Litany and his entreaty to put away our phones and prayerfully experience the music inspired us. The Litany blew us away. So many Catholics from across the diocese, united with our bishop and the Papal Nuncio to Canada in honoring Saint Joseph, was a huge witness to our city, our nation, the Universal Church, and the world and a tangible reminder that we are all pilgrims of hope.”

As God Squad Canada contemplates the future of this project, prayers are requested. A professional video of the Litany is in production, poised to share this extraordinary experience with a wider audience. The echoes of March 17th continue to resonate, a testament to the power of music, faith, and unity.