Singing For The Pope

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- "As the day approaches, it just gets more and more intense," says Crossley Hawn, a member of the Catholic University choir.

Crossley, along with 16 other students, will sing for Pope Benedict XVI when he visits their campus on April 17.

Under the direction of Leo Nestor, the undergraduate and graduate students will perform two pieces for the Pontiff when he visits with Catholic educators in the CUA student union, The Pryzbyla University Center.

The choir will perform an 8th-century chant called "Laudes Regiae: Christus Vincit," which Nestor describes as "a shout" or acclamation. One of the earliest forms of processional music, the piece invokes blessings and graces for the Church and upon the Holy Father, says Nestor.

The second song is titled, "Tu es Petrus." A tribute to the papacy, the hymn opens with the line, "You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." It was written by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, who died in 1594.

The Catholic University performance will mark the third time Nestor has performed for a pope. His previous performances were in Rome for Pope John Paul II. In May, 1993 he directed the CUA Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Choir of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and in 1987 he directed the CUA Chorus and Symphony Orchestra.

Gregory Comishock, a choir member, says next week's opportunity to sing for the Pope is a blessing.

"It's a great opportunity for us to sing for one of the oldest institutions in the world," says Comishock beaming with joy.