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Vespers for the Feast of St Mungo
SCHOLA BENEDICTI | ORGANIST:MR JOHN PITCATHLEY
Free | Tuesday 13 January | 7.00pm | St Columbkille’s, Rutherglen, G73 2HW (Map)
Vespers is an ancient traditional Christian liturgy of evening prayer, and part of the Divine Office (or Liturgy of the Hours). It includes the Canticle of Mary (the Magnificat), as well as psalms, antiphons, scripture readings, hymns, and prayers, Vespers is mentioned in the Rule of St Benedict (d. AD 547), and would have been known to St Mungo (d AD 603–614).
The Schola Benedicti was formed on the Solemnity of Christ the King in 2013. Its name honours both the great Monastic founder St Benedict and Pope Benedict XVI whose attempts to revive the Church’s great musical tradition have struck a chord – especially among the young. ’An authentic updating of sacred music can take place only in the lineage of the great tradition of the past of Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony‘ [Speaking in the Sistine Chapel following a tribute concert to Dominico Bartolucci. June 24, 2006].
The Schola Benedicti is made up of men and women who offer their services to lead the sung offices of the Church (in English, and with Latin motets and modern compositions, carol concerts and choral Masses in parishes throughout the country. The Schola’s many highlights include its performances of The Crucifixion by John Stainer; the Scottish Premiere, conducted by the composer, of Philip Stopford’s Missa Deus Nobiscum; being the visiting cholr at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Liverpool; and in October 2016 in Rome singing for Pope Francis at his General Audience.
In 2026, Rutherglen will mark 900 years since being granted Royal Burgh status by King David I of Scotland in 1126. To celebrate this incredible milestone, there will be a year-long festival of events, exhibitions, performances, community storytelling and activities.
