St. Joe's Choir Sings for Pope

St. Joseph's University's 42-person chapel choir traveled to Italy in early January to perform for Pope Benedict XVI at St. Peter's Basilica, according to a Saint Joseph's news release.

The eight-day trip marked the first time SJU's chapel choir performed outside the United States as a group, according to Thomas Sheibley, director of Campus Ministry. The group was also scheduled to perform a public concert in the Church of St. Ignatius and a recital in Rome's Basilica of St. Mary Major during their trip, the press release states.

Pope Benedict acknowledged the choir when they performed for him on Jan. 9.

I greet all the English-speaking visitors present, including the pilgrimage groups from Nigeria, Taiwan and Brazil. My cordial greeting goes to the Conference of Roman Catholic Cathedral Musicians from the United States. I also thank the choirs, including those from Saint Joseph University and from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, for their praise of God in song. Upon all of you I invoke the Lord’s blessings of joy and peace!

Find out more about the Chapel Choir's trip here.