Firstly I have to apologise for the delay in writing this only my laptop slipped off the coffee table and I broke the LED screen. It really is quite difficult writing when you can’t see the words. But Rich to the rescue he has set me up with my old desktop screen, which actually I think is a little better for me.
It just means that when I want to write I have to go upstairs to our cold office, the old chestnut drying room, well actually it isn’t that cold at the moment and I could always light the fire.
Last Saturday we spent yet another wonderful day with the sisters and brothers at Villa Sacra on one of their Chanting Days. Learning in my case to sing, (I am getting better), whilst having an insight into the early workings of monks worldwide as they put pen to paper to record these beautiful songs.
Seeing how notes unlike today’s harsh bold musical notes, the ones of old were more like simple squiggles which followed the music as it was often spoken rather than sung and we were able to look at notes dating back to the 4th Century. We studied too manuscripts one found in France and the other found in Switzerland . In those days they wouldn’t have been copied and they are almost word for word perfect.
Learning the chants for All Saints which was celebrated on the 2nd November. Being able to feel apart of something both so very old, traditional and very special is extremely uplifting.
In the security and comfort of Villa Sacra and the sisters and brothers arms we feel at ease as we at first stumble through the learning process, until the end of the day when we are chanting with confidence.
The hospitality of the sisters and brothers is second to none. Throughout the day we were fed little treats, a great lunch which was eaten on the sun terrace as we soaked up the sun and when my annoying dry hacking “smokers cough” (not that I have ever smoked a day in my life) nearly brought the lesson to an end, I was treated with a honey and herbal drink, that settled everything back down so that I could continue.
The day finished with us chanting a little early one of the chants for All Saints, taking it in turns to sing the names of many of the sacred angels in the beautiful Santa Elizabetta Church.
Barga has so many treasures like this magnificent church hidden behind often closed doors. How lucky are we to the have the doors opened, to be able to share with the sisters and brothers this private session and having the opportunity to grow our spirituality.
A big thank you to Brother Christopher who helped keep me in tune and covered up my little mistake with one of the saints names, and to all who shared this experience, making it such a special time. Thank you Sister Chris, you truly are a great teacher and a great inspiration.
Do watch out for events taking place at the Villa, the brothers and sisters have so much knowledge and love to impart and both Richard and I value immensely the companionship, friendship, joy and fun that we share with them all.
Ladies wishing to join their choir on a Wednesday night the teaching continues. So go along and meet them – you won’t be disappointed.
Article by Sensone
