I hope the Pope doesn’t read my blog…I’m pretty sure I’m the only one who knows the theme of the movie “Rudy” was played during Ash Wednesday service. Well, my daughter knows, too, because she was the one playing it on the piano! She leads the music ministry team at her high school and picked very appropriate hymns for the beginning and ending of the service. For prelude music and quiet, contemplative music during distribution of ashes, she reached for her green binder filled with the music of the O’Neill Brothers. If you enjoy beautiful, relaxing piano music, check them out. The Notre Dame Experience CD is filled with lovely tunes and includes the title track of Rudy. Rudy easily brings a tear to many eyes, but brings a tear to my eye even more so now that my dad is gone – he was a huge ND fan. My daughter played a lovely medley of songs, including Rudy, at his funeral. The organist also played many traditional hymns that my mom loved. We were given permission for him to sing “Danny Boy” during the service and my daughter and her cousins sang “Homeward Bound” as a prelude. The music made it meaningful to us.
I think music has the power to move us but it can be very personal. The Church usually does not allow secular songs, like “Danny Boy”, at funerals and weddings. Proper liturgical music is supposed to be sung during the Mass. I have often pondered what makes music “holy.” I’m not sure I know the answer, but have discussed it with many people. Sure, Mozart’s Requiem sounds holy to me, but so does the Beatles’ “Let It Be.” (My son played that a few times at school Masses until someone higher up put an end to it.)
I will continue to ponder this question. For now, I “know it when I hear it.”
I have seen that movie more times than I can count and had the pleasure of meeting the real Rudy and hearing all the things the movie could not cover. It’s a wonderful testimony of faith and perseverance!
Music is very powerful, I’m glad we have it, even when I hear a song that saddens me.
As a Domer I love this movie. My father is a Domer too although he has not yet seen this movie.
My husband is a Domer by association and he can probably recite this movie word for word.
My father and a brother were at a game when they were filming the football game scenes.
I so agree with you … music is powerful, holy (liturgical and secular), and very personal. Homeward Bound is such a beautiful song, and so is Let It Be. There are pop songs from my childhood that make me cry (in a good way)because of the memories they evoke.
Very nice! I love the movie Rudy… such a great example of true grit and determination. Just think what we could each accomplish if we were half as persistent!
Just watched Rudy today while I was working in the studio! Love that movie!
I thought I was the only one who has watched that movie too many times to count. I have a bad crush on Sean Aston!
I think I am going to have to go and rent that for my Friday night movie!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment on my recipe binder earlier this week!
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~Lanie J.