Join us for church and stay for coffee after the service.  Here is a short note about this week’s service.

Rev. Marlene’s Notes:

Before we look at the life of Saint Cecilia, I want to answer a question that came up after my reflection on Francis of Assisi. Someone asked if the Second Order of the Franciscans, the Poor Clares still exist? From what I gather from the internet; their convents have dwindled considerably as the nuns age. However, there are still roughly 20,000 Poor Clares worldwide, who live a cloistered life of contemplative prayer within the walls of their monasteries. The nuns rely on a loyal group of neighbourhood friends for generosity, food donations and help around the monastery. The friends ask only for prayer in return.

And now, on to Saint Cecilia about whom it was said that “While the profane music of her wedding was heard. Cecilia was singing in her heart a hymn of love for Jesus, her true spouse.” From The Acts of Saint Cecilia

St. Cecilia is regarded as the patron Saint of music, singers, musicians, composers, musical instrument makers and poets. In art, St. Cecilia is frequently portrayed playing a viola or a small organ.

St. Cecilia Playing the Spinnet by Orazio Gentileschi (Public Domain)

St. Cecilia’s playing style often looks odd, because artists were anxious to stress that she had no interest in earthly music; listening only to heavenly music in her heart. As a result, she was often shown playing with her eyes closed, or looking away from her instrument. On Sunday, we will be looking at this woman’s inspiring, yet tragic story lived in the 2^nd and 3^rd centuries.