The heart of our daily prayer is
The heart of our
daily prayer is
Sacred Chant
Through sacred chant, the monk encounters God in deep prayer. The words of the chant are “stretched out” as it were, soaring upon model melodies. Thus, the words “slow down” in the mouth of the monk so he can more easily and efficiently contemplate them.
Whether sung in English or Latin, the beat-less, non-metrical nature of chant creates a sense of the eternal and transcendent. Chant focuses on the Scriptural words, guided by the natural rhythms and contours inherent in the text itself.
While we chant a capella for Vigils and Compline, the organ accompanies our prayer at Lauds, Vespers and Mass. The organ adds color, beauty and power to an atmosphere of contemplation and introspection.
At Mass, our music consists of hymns, songs, the Mass settings or Gregorian chant. Visitors are always welcome to join us for Mass.
I will sing praise to my God while I live.
I will sing to the Lord all my life;
Psalm 104:33
Praying and Singing
With Our Monks
Any visitor to the Abbey may join us in our chanted prayer. We do ask that you be mindful of the spirit of unity, reverence and beauty that we strive to achieve in order to maintain a prayerful atmosphere. Please sing softly in order to blend with the monks and others around you. Let the monks set the pace and volume of the music so we may sing as one voice to the Lord. Finally, observe a spirit of silence in and around the chapel at all times. (Please be sure to silence or turn off electronic devices.)
Fr. Angelus Echeverry, choir master and organist at Saint Andrew’s Abbey, is also a composer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist. He is inspired by the sacred mysteries of God and his compositions range from art songs, litanies and hymns, to devotional, liturgical and large scale concert works.
What is it like
Being a Monk?
Want to learn more about what it’s like to be a Benedictine monk at Saint Andrew’s Abbey? Check out our Q&A.