The Marian Hymn Festival is a celebration of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. It is a glorious and prayerful Mothers’ Day celebration that honors the Mother of us all, and all mothers. The Benedict XVI Institute welcomes all to St. Mary’s Cathedral. There is no charge. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. We sing hymns together. Archbishop Cordileone will lead us in prayers and reflections to the Virgin Mary, with sacred music by the Benedict XVI Festival Choir.
On October 7, 2017, the Archdiocese of San Francisco, led by Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, was consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mother’s Day 2018 was the first festival of Marian hymns. This is the second annual concert and celebration. Come, bring your Mom and sing to our Mother at St. Mary's Cathedral.
The program is packed with glorious music written for the Church that will be sung by the Benedict XVI Institute Schola. The list ranges from Gregorian chant and chant by St. Hildegarde von Bingen (c.1098-1179) to choral music by Francisco Guererro (c.1528-1599); from the Villancicos poetic musical form to contemporary classical sacred music by Peter Latona (Music Director of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception) and Frank La Rocca (Composer-in-Residence with the Benedict XVI Institute).
The newly formed Benedict XVI Institute Men's Chant Choir will open the festival by chanting the
Ave Maria (Hail Mary). Benedict XVI singers will also perform the
Stabat Mater and will cantor the tender, yearning melodies of the
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary to conclude the festival.
Joseph Christianson, a locally esteemed violinist and parishioner of the Star of the Sea Church, will
perform the stunning Rosary Sonata #16 (
The Guardian Angel), composed by Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber (c.1644-1704). Last but not least, The Benedict XVI Institute Men’s Chorus will make its debut with the beloved
Ave Maria by Franz Biebl.
Admission is free. And there is plenty of free parking in the Cathedral lot.