Saturday at St. Albert's

by Ann Torrini

Today is the Feast Day of St. Albert the Great, and the patronal feast day for St. Albert's Priory. Fr. Augustine Thompson, who teaches at UVa, celebrated a Missa Cantata in the Dominican rite, Brother Boniface led the schola, which sounded quite good.

A shot of the schola (their backs)--I was sitting all the way in the back of the chapel, alas. I wish I could have gotten better photos... and if I had more memory on the camera I would have recorded more of the chants as well.


Some photos of the Mass:




There was a photographer there, and one of the brothers was recording the Mass and ceremony on video. Fr. Augustine told me the video and photos will be posted at the province's website. The link should be posted at NLM once it becomes available.

I noticed that Fr. Moreau of the Institute was there for most of the liturgy -- I assume he left before it was finished because of pastoral duties. I didn't recognize him sitting in the choir stall at first; what caught my attention was his biretta's distinctive blue tuft, which is proper to the Institute.

After the Mass Fr. Augustine was conferred with the honor of Master of Sacred Theology. He then gave a lecture, which was quite pleasant and not at all boring, though it may have gone over the heads of some of the laity in attendance.


I especially liked what he said about monastic theology being rooted in living as a Christian, personal sanctity, unlike modern 'academic' theology. Fr. Augustine also mentioned the importance of the liturgy and how it should be central to both Christian spirituality and to theology.

Being at St. Albert's today reminded me that there are some places here in California where a Catholic can find some temporary refuge--visiting Sacramento with Sarge should be interesting.

At lunch I met some self-proclaimed "Dominican groupies," two women who were members of Dominican parishes. They were at the table, along with Br. B, our friend (Prof.) DP, and myself. It was a nice conversation--it would be great to have more of those. (In case you are wondering Sarge, they were rather tall.)

Related links:
St. Albert the Great
Salve Regina