Top Catholic Songs

For Release July 8, 2008 Green Bay, WI The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity are offering a free download for young Catholics traveling to World Youth Day at their website http://www.fscc-calledtobe.org/living/ “Come Holy Ghost/Enkindle”, performed by Kataluma, re-imagines the traditional hymn, correlating with the Pentecost theme of World Youth Day 2008. It’s both a benediction for youth traveling to Sydney, as well as a way for those who can’t attend to take a ‘multicultural musical journey’. “Come Holy Ghost/Enkindle” begins with a ’summons’ to Sydney, played on an Aborigine Didgeridoo. Just as Catholic youth from around the world will bring their own culture and gifts to Sydney, it incorporates different rhythms, from Catalonian to Congolese, and instruments from around the world. Some include an accordion from Germany, electric guitar and dulcimer from the United States, kalimba from Angola, a saz, or lute from Greece, shaker from Peru, rain stick from Guatemala, harp from Ireland, trumpet from Mexico. In deference to Pope Benedict XVI’s favorite composer, it even includes a brief passage from Mozart’s ‘Rondo Alla Turca’. Also, there’s a bit of Gregorian Chant. In Mark’s Gospel, the Greek word Kataluma designates a “Dining Room” where the Last Supper takes place (and, some suggest, the same room where Pentecost occurred). More commonly, it describes the ‘breaking up or reprieve of a journey’. In this instance Kataluma designates the occasional coalescence of Milwaukee area musicians and creatives: John Tanner, Sue Bruk, Bob Monagle and Mark Kolter, who fashioned the transglobal approach to the hymn “Come Holy Ghost/Enkindle” Sister Mary Carol, OSF, of the Franciscan Sisters Music Conservatory commented “How many people today hear or sing the hymn, “Come, Holy Ghost?” Although this is the title, the actual words are first heard about 2 and 1/2 minutes into the recording. The melody to the 19th century hymn is heard in bits throughout the piece.” “Multiple listening to the song reveal a more complex composition than first expected. Our daily lives are also complicated...However, as the minutes and hours unfold, changes occur that lead to a profound belief in the Spirit who leads us through the ups and downs of each moment. “ Established in 1869, the Roman Catholic Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity serve in Catholic health care, education and parish ministries in 13 U.S. dioceses (Green Bay, Superior, Milwaukee, Phoenix, Tucson, Honolulu, Chicago, Marquette, Jackson, Lincoln, Omaha, Columbus and Steubenville). www.fscc-calledtobe.org