‘Voices of Wisdom’ singers make glorious debut

   The milestone anniversaries of priests and women religious weren’t the only occasions being heralded at Our Lady of Wisdom Healthcare Center’s chapel on Aug. 15.
   Another sort of history was being made at the Jubilee Mass as the “Voices of Wisdom,” a 17-member liturgical singing group composed entirely of Our Lady of Wisdom residents, made its rousing debut in front of a standing-room-only congregation.
  “I’m like a proud mommy today,” said Gayland Thibodeaux, the choir’s director, moments before her group of sopranos, altos and tenors launched into a flawless rendition of the Mass’ entrance hymn, “On This Day, O Beautiful Mother.”
   “There has never been a choir (of residents), as far as I know, in any nursing home,” Thibodeaux said, “but here we are, and we’re ready!”

Impressive first outing

   By the end of the Mass, the new choir had smoothly navigated its way through three more pieces, all sung a capella: “Immaculate Mary” (during the Offertory); “One Bread, One Body” (Communion); and “Hail, Holy Queen” (Recessional). To add variety, each verse of “Immaculate Mary” was sung by a rotating soloist before the whole choir and congregation joined in for the refrain, “Ave, Ave, Ave, Maria.”
   “Our choir members have a lot of determination to do well. That’s their main focus,” said Thibodeaux, an Our Lady of Wisdom nurse and a member of the choir in her home parish of St. Paul the Apostle in New Orleans. “Still, I continuously let them know that the important thing is not whether they do well or not, but that they’re singing for God. Let that be enough.”
   The choir’s strong performance, which elicited a lengthy round of applause after the Mass, was the result of nearly two months of rehearsal – 90-minute practice sessions that took place as frequently as four times a week. The choir evolved from Our Lady of Wisdom’s weekly “sing-along” activity, in which residents come together to belt out popular tunes with Sister of Mount Carmel Catherine Riggs, pastoral care director, and activities assistants Ola Lewis and Shayla Wilson.
   “The residents wanted to do something,” said Thibodeaux, referring to the choir’s genesis. “They wanted to give back. They wanted to do something to be more a part of the facility. My biggest surprise has been their willingness to commit to all of the extra practices. I’ve asked them to do a lot of practice, and they’ve been here every day. It’s a beautiful thing to witness.”        
   The Voices of Wisdom will sing at special events and at Masses celebrated on the first Friday of each month, beginning Sept. 6. New choir members are always welcome.

Gift of music

   “If they have something to give, if they want their voices to be heard, we open the doors,” Thibodeaux said. “Anyone who is willing to share has a beautiful gift to give. They are singing for God, for their fellow residents here, and for anyone else who would like to hear them.”
   All are welcome to join residents and staff for the daily 11 a.m. Mass at Our Lady of Wisdom’s chapel, 5600 Gen. DeGaulle Drive. The Masses are celebrated by resident and non-resident priests, including Jesuit Father Leo Nicoll and Dominican Father Michael Burke.
   Beth Donze can be reached at bdonze@clarionherald.org.