Photo - Mexico City 2002 #1

This photo represents one of the highlights
of my life as a pastoral musician.
This photo was taken
in the music area
of the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
in Mexico City.

The women's choir I co-direct
with my friend, Marcy,
was invited to sing for a mass
on the Feast of the Assumption.
This photo was taken
by a Basilica Photographer
on August 15, 2002

I visit Mexico nearly every year
and will be returning to visit Her
at the Basilica later on this very month.
My prayers this year
will include prayers of thanksgiving
for a wonderful ministry,
and prayers for Janie
(3rd from the left in the 2nd row)
who has gone on to eternal life.

This women's choir,
El Cántico de la Mujer Latina,
was originally formed
for a one-time event
for the National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
I received a phone call from Fr. Vigil Funk
late summer or early fall of 1997,
who asked,
"Rubi, NPM is coming to Grand Rapids.
Can you do something Hispanic?"
I told him I would think about it
and call him back. 

I spoke with my lady friends from the choir.
And then I returned a call to Fr. Virgil
and told him
that I wanted to do an afternoon of praise
using music, poetry, and theology
all written by and performed by Latinas.
The group received one of the highest evaluations
at the NPM held in July of 1998,
as well as invitations to
North Park University in Chicago;
to the Southwest Liturgical Conference
in Albuquerque;
to U of D/Mercy in Detroit. . .
. . and we've been receiving invitations
to sing for women's retreats,
conferences, concerts,
religious professions
 and countless other events ever since!!!!

OK!
This blog entry
has been longer than some of the others
in this "30 years in Music" blog.
But I am particularly proud of the work
this group of women have done
and I am honored
that they have remained close friends
companions on the faith journey.

Although our membership has changed somewhat
over the years,
you'll get to meet them all.
"Where?" you ask. . .

At the Choir Festival
where I will be celebrating
30 Years In The Music Ministry!!!

Saturday, Oct. 27th.

The event starts at noon
and will take place
at St. Andre Bessette Parish
(formally, St. Francis Xavier).
4250 W. Jefferson
Ecorse, MI  48192

There will be no charge for this event
but a freewill offering will be accepted
to help defray the cost of hosting this event.