Gregorian Schola at Steubenville

The Franciscan University of Steubenville had a reputation in the past at a hotbed of "praise music" in liturgy, despite the conservative theological reputation of the university in general. Take notice: this is changing dramatically in light of a changing Catholic culture. Here we have a movement supported by students and encouraged by younger faculty.

A concert offering meditations on the wounds of Christ will be performed by the Schola Cantorum Franciscana in preparation for Holy Week on March 27 at 7 p.m.
“Membra Jesu Nostri,” or “The Limbs of Our Lord Jesus,” was composed in 1680 by Dietrich Buxtehude, an influential German and Danish organist and composer of the Baroque period. The piece is based on a medieval poetic text once attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux and includes excerpts from Scripture.

Schola director Paul Weber said, “The concert will be a multi-media event, consisting of music, art and poetry, that draws us into contemplation of the sacrifice of Calvary.”

Members of the Franciscan Chamber Orchestra will accompany the Schola Cantorum Franciscana. As Franciscan University’s liturgical choir, the schola offers Gregorian chant, sacred polyphony and sacred music in the Latin and English traditions.

The performance is in Christ the King Chapel and is free and open to the public.