Saint Charles Seminary To Host New Sacred Music Premiere

WYNNEWOOD, PA — On Wednesday, Nov. 10, Saint Charles Seminary in Wynnewood is hosting a Mass and a new sacred music premiere.

Saint Charles Seminary has commissioned two original works in celebration of the recently established Chair of Sacred Music.

The Mass and premiere will take place at 4:30 p.m. at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, 100 E. Wynnewood Road in Wynnewood.

Honored guests will be in attendance and the liturgy and premiere will be available online via livestream online here.

"With the launch of the Lucille M. Francesco Chair of Sacred Music three years ago, Saint Charles Seminary renewed its commitment to focus on the teaching of sacred music," said Bishop Timothy C. Senior, Rector of Saint Charles Seminary. "Now, through the generosity of Dr. Jerry Francesco, the seminary is able to premiere these beautiful new sacred works, giving glory to God through music and song."

The Mass of St. Charles Borromeo and Choral Motet – Scio Enim Cui Credidi are newly commissioned works by distinguished composer Nicholas Lemme.

Both works feature traditional chant and choral styles, utilizing the full array of young men’s timbre, while pushing boundaries in a fresh, modern approach to the Sacred texts.

"It is an honor and privilege to underwrite these two new pieces of sacred music," said Dr. Jerry Francesco. "My late wife loved music and Saint Charles Seminary and I can think of no better way to honor her two loves than supporting this new work."

The Choral Motet is an a cappella piece written based on the episcopal motto of Bishop Timothy C. Senior, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia and Rector of the Seminary: "For I know in whom I have believed, and I am certain that He has the power to preserve what was entrusted to me, unto that day." (St. Paul’s 2nd Letter to Timothy)

The Lucille M. Francesco Chair of Sacred Music was founded in 2018 by Dr. Jerry Francesco in honor of his late wife.

The chair celebrates Sacred music as Holy, True Art, and Universal; a gift of God’s treasury of inestimable value.

The Seminary currently has an active music department that provides daily sung liturgical music, promoting music of all ages and cultures.

Mass is sung in English, Spanish and Latin with focus on training future priests in chant, choral music, and active participation of all the faithful.