Homage to St. Cecilia

"At length, divine Cecilia came,
Inventress of the vocal frame."

So wrote Dryden, in homage to Cecilia, patron saint of music, whose feast day is November 22, but whose accomplishments and tradition are with us every day.

Born in Rome in the second century anno Domini, Cecilia is believed to have invented the organ, and is associated also with the harp, flute, violin and harpsichord, and had a voice so beautiful an angel fell in love with her.

In London on her day, the Worshipful Company of Musicians processes to St. Paul's Cathedral for divine service. And surely the day is celebrated by the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, an order represented in Vancouver.

And all of us, whatever our musical bent--Bach or Hank Williams, Ravel or the Carter Family, Arvo Part or Stevie Wonder, Cole Porter or Ukulele Ike--may give thanks for Cecilia and her gift.