The Sounds of Music

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If you’ve read any of my previous blog posts, you know how much I love returning home to our Sinsinawa Dominican motherhouse, “the Mound.” Christmastime 2011 was no different. The lingering memories of this particular visit are the gifts of music offered for liturgy, community prayer, and gatherings of celebration.

Supporting and celebrating the arts are part of our Sinsinawa Dominican history – another facet of our lives that is central to who we are and how we come together. At different times during the 24 hour period between Christmas Eve and Christmas evening we heard solos and duets performed by sisters of different ages, ethnic backgrounds, and ministry experiences. Instruments included voice, cello, violin, viola, flute, clarinet, piano, organ, string bass, and recorder. Our ensembles of choir and hand bells delighted audiences as well. The Sacred Scriptures are full of references to music. And we definitely make joyful sounds before God at Sinsinawa! It is who we are and how we are together.

I never know what I might be asked to participate in or help with in some way, when I go home to the Mound. But saying “yes” is always a good thing. I smiled and sang my way back to my home in Minneapolis, thinking that I can hardly wait until the next time.

What joyful sounds fill your heart today? Where might your “yes” lead you?

Tanya Williams, OP
St. Louis Park, Minnesota


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