Bread of Angels (St. Mary's University Chapel Choir)

Due to university practices in preventing the spread of COVID-19, the St. Mary's University Chapel Choir did not meet in-person during the fall 2020 semester. However, they gathered weekly on Zoom to continue their ministry of liturgical music and prayer.

This hymn, Bread of Angels, is written by Curtis Stephan. It is a mixture of a contemporary song and a traditional Latin setting of Panis Angélicus, reminiscent of the 1872 setting by César Frank (1822-1890). Owen Alstott wrote the poetic English translation.

Remotely, each choir member recorded individual parts which were combined digitally to re-create the experience of singing together as a group.

The choir selected this hymn because its lyrics reflect their desire to offer their gifts to a world hungry for hope that is found in Jesus—the bread of angels and bread of life for all humanity.

© Curtis Stephan, 2002. English Text Based on Panis Angelicus; adapted by Curtis Stephan. Latin text by Thomas Aquinas, 1227-1274. Poetic English Translation by Owen Alstott.

Recorded Oct. 10-Nov. 21, 2020.

Soprano: Taylor Cedillo, María Chiara Cossio, Valeria Garza, Lorelie Gonzalez, Susana Ibarra, Destiny Lucero, Patricia Reynolds, Jessika Saldaña, María A. Smith

Alto: Adilene Barrios, Andrea Cabrera, Melissa Getz, Sonora Mata, Sophia Muñoz, Amanda Quiroz, Julieta Sanchez

Tenor: Geremy Landin, Chicago Schuller, Luis Soto, Ángel Velarde

Bass: Richard Bui, Pablo Medina, Stephen Talik

Violin: Maxx Arizmendi | Keyboard: Dennis Bautista, S.M. | Director: María A. Smith

First virtual video (Marianist Doxology): https://youtu.be/qtprBbbOXLQ