English | Polski

Letters

from Robert Tyrała

We are the Instruments of Thy Peace

2009-06-29

We are the Instruments of Thy Peace,
The 9th Letter on the XXXV International Congress of Pueri Cantores
The ending of the Year of St. Paul, Kraków, 29 June 2009
The Inauguration of Congress, Stockholm, 8-12 July 2009

We are just beginning the Pueri Cantores Congress in Stockholm. What do we expect from it and why do we want to be in Stockholm? These are the questions we need answer a few days before the inauguration. Every one knows that they will meet friends who are always present at our musical events. There will certainly be a lot of joy, feeling of community and unity. During the last Congress to have been held in Kraków, this joy, this testimony of goodness, were “pouring out” from us. You were singing in the churches, but also at the squares, youth hostels and even in public transport, strictly speaking, everywhere. That time all people knew and said: Something extraordinary is happening in Kraków, there are these small singers who are preaching with their joy and beauty. It was the oration on God’s Mercy. May this Stockholm testimony be even more beautiful and even more special. Let us bring there our youth, authenticity, unity, joy of a peaceful heart and the testimony of our faith. Let us deliver there a splendid oration on Christian unity. We shall pray through singing for the oneness of all Christians. We shall make very effort to become, not only during the Congress but also further on, the instruments of God’s peace in the Church, at our homes, at our choirs, at playgrounds, simply, everywhere. That is why I ask you to say this special prayer: "O Lord, make me an instrument of Thy Peace! Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is discord, harmony. Where there is fault, truth. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sorrow, joy.” During this great celebration, the representatives of our Federations will elect a new President of The International Federation of Pueri Cantores. Only today let us then pray to the Holy Spirit for the proper choice in accordance with God’s will, and for strength and energy for our new President so that he could serve each of us well. Veni Creator Spiritus, mentes tuorum visita, imple superna gratia, quae tu creasti pectora... May our joy and testimony of faith be not finished on Pueri Cantores and with its ecumenical liturgy to end the Congress in Stockholm. Let us not be deprived of this hope which is in us. Do not allow, dear girls and boys, to be deprived of your artlessness and childishness, but be yourselves, seek God in everyday chores, do not stop on your way of self-development, relish Jesus in the Eucharist, and then you will be truly beautiful. Lord, make our Pueri Cantores family be always close to you through singing of our hearts. May each chorister, each conductor, each family of Pueri Cantores be one. Make our singing prayer, dear Lord, be always supported with good deeds, truth, faith and hope, and love which conquers all. Lord, make us the instruments of Your peace! St. Dominic Savio, the saint patron of Pueri Cantores, pray for us…

Fr. Robert Tyrała, PhD
Ecclesiastical Assistant of The International Federation of Pueri Cantores

Back to all letters