At the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Fontana, the Adoration the Holy Cross unfolded in an atmosphere of deep solemnity, where silence drew the faithful into the mystery of the Passion. The liturgy was elevated by the evocative presence of Chorus Urbanus, whose voices carry the weight and beauty of the moment through exclusive sacred works composed for them by John Galea, including his profoundly moving Improperia. As the choir intoned these haunting reproaches and worshippers approached the Cross in quiet procession, Galea’s music became a living prayer—tender, aching, and transcendent—inviting all who gather to enter more fully into the grace and contemplation of the Passion. This sacred stillness deepened further with Vexilla Regis and the hushed reverence of Dubois’ Adoramus Te Christe, with its gentle harmonies settling over the congregation like a whispered act of devotion, drawing hearts into a quiet, intimate encounter with the crucified Christ during the communion.
Our next liturgical engagement will be tomorrow where the festive jubilation of the Resurrection will flood the National Shrine with various motets by Palestrina, Saint-Saens and Marco Betta and John Galea’s Missa announcing the joy of the Risen Christ.
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