A Joyful Tribute in Song: Choir Concert Honours St. Giovanni Battista Scalabrini

On the eve of the feast day of St. Giovanni Battista Scalabrini, our beloved patron of migrants, the St. Paschal Baylon Parish community gathered on Saturday, May 31, 2025 for a truly unforgettable choir concert during this extraordinary Jubilee Year of the Catholic Church.

Held in honour of Scalabrini’s feast day on June 1, this special celebration brought together all of our Sunday choirs in a beautiful expression of faith, cultural diversity, and musical unity. Each choir shared their unique gifts, offering heartfelt tributes to the saint who dedicated his life to the care of migrants and the dignity of every human person.

The concert opened with the 5:00 PM Children’s Choir, whose pure, joyful voices set a tone of innocence and hope. Their youthful energy reminded us that the future of our Church is bright and full of promise.

Following them, the 8:00 AM English Choir offered a selection of solemn, reverent hymns that encouraged quiet reflection and deep prayer. Their music invited us to contemplate God’s enduring faithfulness.

The 9:30 AM Italian Choir brought a touch of St. Scalabrini’s own cultural heritage to life with traditional Italian hymns that resonated deeply with the legacy of this great saint. Their rich harmonies and devotion transported us to the heart of Italy’s spiritual tradition.

Next, the 11:00 AM English Choir showcased a vibrant mix of classical and contemporary pieces, demonstrating the beauty of diverse musical expressions within the liturgy. Their performance captured both the grandeur and intimacy of worship.

The 1:00 PM Couples for Christ and Handmaids of the Lord Choir energized the room with spirited praise and worship songs that echoed the dynamic faith of the lay movements within our parish. Their passion lifted the congregation in joyful praise.

Closing the individual sets was the 4:00 PM Tagalog Choir, who offered deeply moving songs in the Filipino tradition. Their heartfelt singing honored the experience of migrants and reflected the deep faith that unites Filipinos across the globe.

The evening culminated in a powerful finale as all choirs came together to sing the official Jubilee Hymn and the beloved classic “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.” The church was filled with resounding voices, joyful hearts, and a tangible sense of unity and thanksgiving.

This concert was more than just a musical event—it was a testament to the universality of the Church, the beauty of cultural diversity, and the unifying power of sacred music. As St. Scalabrini once taught, migration is a sign of the times, and through it, we encounter Christ in new and transformative ways.

May the spirit of the Jubilee Year and the intercession of St. Giovanni Battista Scalabrini continue to inspire each of us to sing with joy, serve with love, and live our faith boldly. We give thanks for the gift of music, for the dedication of our choir members and directors, and for the many hands and hearts who helped bring this celebration to life.

Would you like to be part of our music ministry?
Whether you love to sing, play an instrument, or support behind the scenes, there's a place for you! Learn more about our parish choirs and how to get involved by visiting:
https://stpaschalbaylonth.archtoronto.org