While nearly two million are expected to flock to Philadelphia Sept. 27 for Mass celebrated by Pope Francis, four cantors hailing from the Diocese of Trenton will play a special role in welcoming the Holy Father and spreading the Good News during his time on the East Coast.

David Maliakel, Emma Rhine, Susie Shaddy and Dr. John Shaddy, all choir members in St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, were nominated, auditioned and have been selected to participate as members of the Papal Choir.

“I felt humbled when we were all accepted,” said Dr. Shaddy, director of sacred music for the parish. “It is such a great honor to participate in this (Mass) celebrated by the Holy Father. I feel deeply honored to represent the Church of St. Gregory the Great.”

From Beethoven to Mendelssohn, the Papal Choir will sing a range of hymns before Pope Francis and the faithful gathered along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway during his visit. Their lineup will also include Gregorian chant and traditional hymns sung by both the choir and the assembly.

A competitive audition

The process was rigorous. Catholic dioceses throughout the region were invited to nominate cantors, with four per parish allowed to audition.

“When we first learned that Pope Francis would conclude his visit to the United States with the celebration of Mass in Philadelphia, my wife Susie and I thought that we would investigate the possibility of participating in the choir,” said Dr. Shaddy.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office of Divine Worship extended the invitation to neighboring diocesan communities to select cantors and musicians to audition, but that left Dr. Shaddy with a difficult decision in identifying a small group to audition.

Even after the cohort of four was selected, they embarked upon an intensive audition process.

“The audition covered many tasks, including vocalizing, sight-reading, listening to unusual melodies once, and then singing them, as well as performing prepared literature,” he recalled. “While the audition process was rigorous, I was fully confident that all four of us would pass the audition.”

According to the acceptance letter sent to Dr. Shaddy from Father Dennis Gill, director of the Office for Divine Worship for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, there was an overwhelming response to the call for nominations for the 500-person choir.

Dr. Shaddy said that the group was assembled beginning with the Basilica Choir of Sts. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, as well as their diocesan choir and others from throughout the archdiocese. The remaining spots were filled by those hailing from neighboring dioceses.

Father Gill’s letter indicated that it took 62 hours spread over eight days for a team of adjudicators to hear some 350 vocalists audition for the limited number of seats in the Papal Choir.

“Because we want the Papal Choir to be a wonderful, inspirational experience for everyone involved, coupled with the pressures associated with learning a large volume of difficult music in a very short period of time, we felt obligated to take only the best of the very best,” wrote Father Gill. “Given the limited number of spots available, it was not an easy task.”

A ‘natural’ extension of music ministry

The Hamilton Square quartet has already gotten to work rehearsing for their role in September, with three-hour sessions most Mondays in Philadelphia.

Dr. Shaddy’s wife, Susie, who is among the cohort that will represent the Diocese of Trenton, said she has been overjoyed following news of their selection.

“This has been a magical time,” she shared. “Being that the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has over 250 parishes, I was quite sure there wouldn’t be any space open for a parish nearly an hour away. After receiving the acceptance, I couldn’t sleep for three days.”

She reflected on the role that music plays in their home parish.

“The music at our church is essential in creating a connective and prayerful environment and the people of our parish love to sing,” said the Hamilton Square cantor of 19 years. “…It seemed natural to continue my musical dedication from our church into the Papal Choir.”

She remarked that some of the same songs they will sing in September have been part of the St. Gregory the Great lineup in the past, and added that the selection of the four Hamilton Square cantors has made the papal visit more personal for the parish family.

“So many people have told me they feel more connected to the Pope’s visit because we will be in attendance.”