UPPER WEST SIDE, Manhattan (WABC) — A choir from the Upper West Side flew around the world to the Vatican to perform an original piece for the pope on Wednesday.
The choir from Church of St. Paul the Apostle performed a song adapted from Pope Leo’s first speech and inaugural homily.
It was a moment they practiced and planned for but they weren’t sure would happen — and then it did.
Father Eric Andrews was right there and said it was spectacular.
“I’ve been to Rome so many times and this one is going to stand out for me, it’s a miracle and we’re just a blessed, blessed parish on the west side,” Andrews said.
For the first time in the history of the church, the choir performed in St. Peter’s Square for Pope Leo during the general audience.
The song, “Love More,” is an original composed by parishioner J. Oconer Navarro.
“It’s a piece that celebrates the text of Pope Leo’s inaugural address and homily after he became our holy father,” said Father Chris Lawton.
The 45-member choir was on its final stop in Rome after performing all over Italy.
Before the pilgrimage, the church reached out to the Vatican about singing for the pope, but with no guarantees, off they went.
“When we got to our seats, the Swiss guard said ‘oh no no no, come with me,’ and then we walked right in front of the pope’s chair and sat down,” Andrews said.
And then the pinch-me moment happened.
“When he came out on the motorcade they were invited to begin singing this original hymn,” Lawton said.
It happened in front of thousands from all over the world.
“They are just going to bring home a special energy and special lightness of the heart,” Andrews said. “When you share a gift so generously as they have, it comes back a hundredfold.”
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