- MESSAGE OF ROBERT TYRALA -

KRAKOW, 3 APRIL 2005, DIVINE MERCY SOLEMNITY

Sepulto Domino, signatum est monumentum volventes lapidem,
Ad ostium monumenti, ponentes milites, qui custodirent illum
In pace factus est locus eius, et in Sion habitation eius.

These are the words of a Lent motet which we sing suffering after Christ's death and which today becomes our, Pueri Cantores' special prayer. OUR SHEPHERD, HOLY FATHER JOHN PAUL II, KAROL WOJTYLA OF KRAKOW, A GREAT FRIEND OF PUERI CANTORES HAS DEPARTED FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN TO RECEIVE HIS ETERNAL AWARD.

The news has filled our hearts with great pain as we part our father, a man who in his pontificate was showing us how to live, was helping us to open our hearts for Christ and to be the way of the Church. And on his deathbed he addressed also us, saying "I have been looking for you and you have come to me-thank you for that". Pueri Cantores did assist Holy Father in that time of suffering in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. We loved that holy man living among us and showing us through his ministry, words, deeds and whole life that God is good. In that Pope we have seen an icon of Christ.

WHEN HE MET US, PUERI CANTORES ON 31DECEMBER 1999 DURING THE CONGRESS IN ROME, HE LEFT US HIS WILL SAYING:

"You have got an important role in the life of the Church. You are small messengers of beauty. The world needs your singing so that the language of beauty may lead to a meeting with God. Your joy of singing must radiate and cause great enthusiasm".

He not only praised us but also demanded great things:
"You who love music strive to sing better so that the Gospel may reach your spirits and those of your listeners, helping them to pray. In that way you will be messengers of peace and good".

It is not enough, though to stay only on that beauty level in our life. John Paul II continued:
"You are also messengers of faith. It is not enough to lead listeners, through the quality of your singing, to prayer; your singing should turn the congregation to God during the Eucharistic celebration. Singing for God's glory you become assistants of the Eucharist. May your singing be always new, as singing for God you sing out the newness of Lord's grace, an inexhaustible source of joy and peace".

And finally he gave us a final piece of advice:
"My dear small singers, may your singing help you make your lives a hymn in praise of God. May those singing for God live for Him as well. May your voices, your youth and your lives preach Jesus the Saviour".

After the death of the Holy Father we are crying but not falling into despair; we are people of hope. The Pope taught us to cross the threshold of hope. We know that we should sing for God because we live for Him. The Pope told us to make our lives a hymn for praise of God. We should remember those words and let them resurrect in us. May our singing, everyday life, charity and work and life of faith confirm the truth that Jesus is alive and living in us.

On the day of the Pope's funeral let us unite in prayers for the Great John Paul II - may each choir sing on that day their most beautiful song.

I will remember you all in the shrine of Divine Mercy in Krakow-Lagiewniki, consecrated by the Pope in 2002 and I hope to see you all there at the International Congress in 2007.

Fr. Robert Tyrala
International Pueri Cantores Federation Church Assistant

- MESSAGE OF JOSEP MARIA TORRENTS-

Quite often we speak of " our big family " of Pueri Cantores. There are two strong ties which keep us together : the Faith and our service of singing.

In the same way as in our families there are moments which touch us very deeply. Pope John Paul II, the Holy Father who has lead the church for so many years, is going to die.

Don't let us be dazzled by the superficial and anecdotic aspects which the media are showing.

Two attitudes now should be the most important ones:

The prayer for Pope John Paul II. May the loving God help him in these moments of transition from the life on earth to the definitive approach to God's face.

	The prayer for the church : may the church be ready to let the Holy Spirit lead the Cardinals electing the next Pope !

This is a moment of faith ! May our singing in these two instances be a sign of of our faith and of our vocation to sing for God.

Let us pray for Pope John Paul II. !

Let us pray that the church will continue to spread the good news of the gospel !

[ Translation from the french text: Willi Oeschger 05.04.02 ]

Josep Maria Torrents
President of Federation International Pueri Cantores