Renowned Letterkenny choir Cór Ailigh were honoured with the opportunity to perform at the historic St Peter’s Basilica this weekend.
They sang during the 12 noon mass on Saturday within the historic Vatican church.
Members of Cór Ailigh ready to perform at St Peter’s Basilica, Rome
Cór Ailigh were invited to perform at the request of Donegal native Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, with another Donegal native in Monsignor Eamonn McLoughlin being a co-celebrant at the mass.
Having the incredible opportunity to perform at the basilica was only part of the choir’s journey to Italy though.
Members also had the chance this morning to attend Sunday mass at Coláiste na nGaedheal in Rome, a historic seminary that has linked Ireland to the city for almost 400 years.
It also holds significance to the Irish people as the ground of the College hold a monument to Daniel O’Connell, who died in Turin in 1847 and insisted his heart be buried in Rome, with the rest of his remains being transferred to Dublin.
Speaking to Donegal Daily before the journey, choir co-ordinator Micheál Ó Giobúin described the tour as a wonderful opportunity and a tremendous honour for the members of Cór Ailigh.
“St Peter’s Basilica is the spiritual heart of the catholic tradition and singing at mass there is really the ‘holy grail’ for church choirs,” he said.
“It’s also a real privilege to sing in the historical Irish College which was founded in 1628.”
