The Mater Ecclesiae Choir performing at the "Marathon of Praise."

Providence, RI, March 17, 2011 -- The Mater Ecclesiae Choir had a unique opportunity this month to praise God in song with their Christian brothers and sisters at the Gospel Tabernacle Outreach Ministries Inc. 

The ecumenical experience resulted from an invitation from the Baptist pastor, Ray Ferrara.  Having become acquainted with a consecrated member of the Regnum Christi movement while traveling by plane in 2010, the pastor decided to attend the Mater Ecclesiae Christmas program in January 2011.  After listening to the choir performing Christmas carols, he invited them to perform at the upcoming “Marathon of Praise” at his church in March. 

Having no idea what to expect, the choir members agreed to participate.  The approximately 25 consecrated women boarded vans and headed to downtown Providence.  When they arrived at the church, they witnessed a succession of “prayerful” performances.” And when the ME choir performed, those listening gave the group a standing ovation and a “Praise Jesus!” with lifted hands after each song, and sometimes during the songs too.  

During the event, the choir members noticed people were putting money into a collection box for a fundraiser to get a new boiler for the heating system of the church. 

	Choir organist Yvonne Nuxoll.

“We didn’t have money to donate to the cause, but everyone around us, even the pastor, started giving us coins and dollar bills to put in the box so we could be part of the community effort,” said choir organist Yvonne Nuxoll.

Looking Ahead

What will the rest of the year bring? In April the ME Choir will perform at a spring concert at St. Joseph’s College in Connecticut.  Then in May, everyone from the Mater Ecclesiae formation center will participate in the Divine Mercy Sunday Mass at the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, to provide music for the liturgy.

“How special that we get to be united on the Feast of Divine Mercy—and also the day of John Paul II’s beatification!” said Cathy Floro, vocalist and violinist for the group.  “God’s ways are amazing.  He uses our talents for things we never would have dreamed of.  I have no idea what the future will bring for Mater Ecclesiae choir after this year, but I know for sure that God will take us wherever He needs us to be.”

Please note: If you would like to experience the consecrated women of Regnum Christi praising God in song by obtaining one of the groups’ CDs, more information is available at the following link.