Songs of the Soul

Saint Louis Abbey Church

Experience a powerful musical journey from suffering to hope through the timeless beauty of German and Italian Baroque music performed by Sancta Caecilia Ensemble, Musicians of Early Music Missouri under the direction of Dr. Andrzej Zahorski featuring nationally acclaimed artist Cecilia MeeAe Nam.

Reserve your spot online today! Admission is free, donations welcome.






About the Program
by Andrzej Zahorski

Before providing more details about our upcoming St. Cecilia concert—scheduled for Sunday, June 1, and featuring two nationally acclaimed musicians, Cecilia MeeAe Nam (soprano) and Geffrey Noonan (lute, theorbo)—I would like to address a more fundamental question: What is the significance of sacred music concerts, and why should we have them here?
    Many people associate music exclusively with entertainment, but its purpose extends far beyond that. As Catholics, we recognize that supporting sacred music, including through the facilitation of concerts, is part of the Church’s apostolic mission. Music is one of the most powerful forms of communication—one of the channels through which God, in His grace, draws us closer to Him. The Church has long acknowledged its unique ability to inspire, elevate, heal, and strengthen the proclamation of God's message, both in liturgical settings and beyond.
    Jesus Himself reminds us of the sacredness of the church space: “My house shall be a house of prayer” (Luke 19:46). Yet, how often do we forget that when we enter a church, we step into sacred space—His house? The right music can set the tone, reminding us where we are. Sacred music concerts serve the inner needs of those seeking silence, prayer, peace of soul, beauty, and the light of faith. They can also function as devotional exercises, incorporating readings, prayers, religious poetry, or moments of silence to encourage personal reflection and meditation.
    Sacred music carries its message in a way that transcends rigid boundaries of ideology and belief, opening hearts to spiritual values even in those distant from the Church. There are numerous accounts of conversions and profound changes of heart sparked by a single encounter with a great masterpiece of sacred music.
    Moreover, sacred music is a testimony to the ardent faith of its composers. As the Vatican stated in its 1988 document on sacred music concerts in churches:

   Given sacred music’s ability to rekindle faith, we must also recognize that encountering masterful compositions in a sacred space can be a formative experience—particularly for young people searching for meaning in their lives.

    Ultimately, sacred music of the highest inspiration and artistic merit grants access to eternity, evoking divine realities that endure beyond the passing of time. As Christ Himself said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Matthew 24:35). Such compositions serve as gateways to a spiritual realm where the faith of generations—ordinary people, martyrs, and saints—unites in a single act of praise to God.

     Why us? Not every Catholic community has the resources to undertake sacred music concerts. Such an endeavor requires space, expertise, and commitment. Yet, we have been blessed with God-given gifts—talents He calls us to use for His greater glory. The Second Vatican Council’s Sacrosanctum Concilium describes sacred music as “a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art.” This brings to mind Christ’s parable of the hidden treasure in Matthew 13:44. In it, Jesus tells His disciples that a man, upon discovering a buried treasure, “goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” to claim it. This parable teaches us two things: first, that true treasure is often hidden, even buried; second, and more importantly, that once we recognize its value, we must be willing to make sacrifices to attain it.

    Sacred music is such a treasure. It is our privilege and responsibility to cultivate it—not only for ourselves but for all who seek beauty, truth, and the presence of God.