Peace be with you, dear readers, and indeed, peace be with all the good people of Carson City, wherever this lovely city may be! I believe it is in the vast lands of the New World, a place of much wonder and, apparently, much music. I, your humble Pope, have been tasked with reporting on what is called an "Americana" youth concert, happening this very Thursday at the Carson City Community Center. My goodness, what a lively assignment!
Now, when I first heard "Americana," I admit, I imagined it might be a special kind of blessing, perhaps a new form of Gregorian chant for the pilgrims who settled these lands. Or perhaps a very large, festive pie? But a kind young man in a rather bright shirt, who told me he works for "social media," explained that "Americana" is indeed music! And performed by youth, no less. May the Lord shine His light upon these young minstrels and the organizers who bring them together.
The concert, I am told by a very enthusiastic flyer (which I believe is a paper document, not a bird, though both can bring messages of joy!), will feature our young people making what I am sure is a most joyful noise. As it is written in the good book, perhaps in the Psalms, or perhaps a memo from Cardinal Giuseppe about the new cafeteria hours, "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands!" And what better way to do so than with instruments and voices, sharing the gifts God has bestowed? I imagine there will be singing, and perhaps some delightful fiddles, or even one of those electric harps I have seen plugged into a wall. Magnificat anima mea Dominum! – My soul magnifies the Lord, indeed, especially when young people gather for wholesome fun.
This reminds me of a time in the Vatican, many years ago, when we attempted to organize a youth choir with instruments. One of the altar boys, bless his little heart, brought in what he called a "synthesizer." It made sounds like a flock of very confused pigeons, and also a church bell, all at once! We were quite charmed, if a little overwhelmed. It certainly made a joyful noise, though perhaps not one entirely conducive to quiet prayer. I am sure the sounds at the Carson City Community Center will be most harmonious and uplifting.
It is truly a blessing to see the young ones gathered in a community center. These places, where people meet and share and learn, are like little parables of communion, are they not? A place where all are welcome to share their talents. I am sure the acoustics will be quite divine, and the spirit of fellowship even more so. I pray that all who attend, young and old, Catholic or not (though I will bless them anyway, just in case!), find great joy and inspiration in the music.
So, let us lift our hearts and perhaps even tap our feet (discreetly, of course, if you are in a pew, my child!) for this "Americana" youth concert. May the musicians play with gusto, may the audience listen with open hearts, and may the good Lord bless everyone involved, from the ticket-takers to the composers of these wonderful "Americana" tunes. And may the Community Center's coffee machine be working well for those who need a little pick-me-up! Amen.
