Sounds of the holiday (Above): On Monday, Nov. 27, concertgoers began the holiday season with a visit to the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Richmond, where Commonwealth Catholic Charities (CCC) hosted its 32nd annual Holiday Festival of Music, performed by the Richmond Symphony. In attendance were Bishop Barry C. Knestout, cathedral rector Father Tony Marques, other diocesan clergy, CCC CEO Jay Brown and CCC foster parents and children, along with the general public. Conducted by Daniel Myssyk, the symphony performed Christmas classics and other classical selections, including “Adeste Fideles” and Mozart’s “Sleigh Ride.” To conclude the concert, Myssyk led the audience in singing along to “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.” Ticket proceeds benefited CCC. (Photo/D. Hunter Reardon)
“Preacher to the Popes” (Below): A documentary about Raniero Cantalamessa, official preacher to the papal household for four decades, has been selected as a finalist in the ICVM (International Christian Visual Media) Crown Awards. Ashley Zahorian, parishioner at Sacred Heart, Norfolk, served as the film’s director and producer; Deacon Darrell Wentworth of St. Gregory the Great, Virginia Beach, was executive producer. The film is a finalist in the categories of Best Evangelistic Film and Best Soundtrack. The winners of the ICVM Crown Awards will be announced at the National Religious Broadcasters Conference in February 2024. Since its 2021 debut, the 83-minute film about the popular Franciscan Capuchin friar has won 11 awards and appeared in several festivals. (Photo/courtesy CMAX Media)
Read about the film in The Catholic Virginian (Nov. 29, 2021).
Handmade Advent wreaths for St. Anne’s classrooms (below)
The faculty of St. Anne School, Bristol, gathered for a faith formation meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 29, also taking time to make Advent wreaths for each classroom. Art teacher, Paulette Leonard, led the faith formation and the wreath-making activity. Staff say they plan to make the wreaths each year to mark Advent. (Photos/Nicole Hughes)
