From August 27 to September 7, the Saint Francis University Choir embarked on a transformative journey through Italy, blending music, faith, and cultural exchange. The 41-member delegation included university leaders, music directors, students, and clergy, notably Professor Annie Bligh (Provost), Andrew Leung (Music Director), Kenneth Ma (Assistant Director), Kevin Ma (Accompanist), and Father Fabio Favata, PIME (Spiritual Advisor). Their itinerary spanned Genoa, Assisi, and Rome, where they performed at Masses, concerts, and various religious events.
Singing Before the Pope
(The choir gathered at St. Peter’s Square for a papal audience on September 3)
A defining moment occurred on September 3 at St. Peter’s Square, where the choir sang during Pope Leo XIV’s entrance. The choir chose two pieces: the Cantonese classic Below the Lion Rock, representing Hong Kong’s cultural identity, and Look at the World, a sacred piece celebrating nature during the Season of Creation. The multilingual prayers led by the Pope—spoken in German, English, Mandarin, and other languages—deeply moved the choir, highlighting the universal nature of Catholicism and the unity of prayer.
The performance of Below the Lion Rock in Cantonese echoed throughout the square, symbolizing the resilience and joy of life in Hong Kong: “There is joy in life, and it is inevitable that there will often be tears, and all of us, when we meet under Lion Rock, we finally laugh more than sigh.”
The choir also visited the Dicastery for Evangelisation and performed three songs in its chapel. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle praised their harmonies and received a university souvenir intended for the Pope, as well as one for himself in appreciation.
That evening, the choir held a final concert in Rome at San Giovanni Battista de La Salle, the titular church of Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J. of Hong Kong. The performance, themed around Laudato Si’, was met with enthusiastic applause and commendation from Cardinal Chow.
Genoa and Assisi: Faith and Fellowship
On August 30 in Genoa, the choir participated in the solemn feast day of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Parrocchia del Santissimo Nome di Maria. They joined a Marian procession and sang during a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Javier Herrera Corona, apostolic nuncio to the Republic of Congo, with Father Favata concelebrating. That evening, they performed in a concert titled Maria, We Want to Love You, alongside Italian artists.
(The choir joined a Marian procession on the solemn feast day of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Parrocchia del Santissimo Nome di Maria)
Professor Bligh expressed special gratitude to Father Favata for bridging language gaps and organizing visits and performances in Assisi.
In Assisi, the choir immersed themselves in the Franciscan heritage. On September 1, they sang morning Mass in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and later performed at the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. The concert featured 11 pieces celebrating creation and the legacy of St. Francis, drawing an audience of over 150. Leung described the experience as a spiritual blessing, especially performing in the Basilicas so closely tied to the University’s patron saint. The choir was also inspired by the Basilica’s medieval frescoes, which enriched their spiritual reflection.
(The choir performed at the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi)
Music as Evangelization
The tour was not merely musical but a profound spiritual journey. The choir’s diverse makeup—including Catholics, Christians, and non-believers—enhanced the impact of individual experiences in religion. Professor Bligh noted that the harmonies and amazing voices of the choir and the communal power of prayer allowed their music to touch hearts and sow seeds of love.
(The choir sang morning Mass in Basilica San Pietro, Vatican)
The choir, established only a year prior, had its first public performance in December to commemorate the birth and papal anniversary of Pope Francis. Professor Bligh shared that this debut led to an invitation to Italy for cultural exchange. With support from the Youth Development Commission and generous donation from Ms. Agnes Chiu, the Choir can finally make it to Italy.
Cultural Exchange and Personal Growth
Beyond performances, the choir engaged in cultural exchanges with universities and the Chinese Embassy in Italy. On September 5, they participated in a cultural exchange event at the embassy, performing and delivering a message of gratitude. Li Xiaoyong, chargé d’affaires ad interim, described the gathering as an opportunity to strengthen ties between young people of Italy and China. Student representative Emily Cheung shared that music helped bridge linguistic and cultural divides, fostering connection and understanding. The group also visited landmarks like the Leaning Tower of Pisa and sampled local cuisine, gaining a richer appreciation of Italian history and culture.
(The choir visited Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music)
(The choir joined a cultural exchange event at the embassy)
Conveying Faith Through Music
The choir’s impact extended beyond formal venues. During a visit to a local biscuit factory, their singing moved one of the staff members to tears, illustrating the emotional power of music. Student Angie Chui reflected on this moment as a revelation of their ability to touch others through music.
Wong Ho-ming, Catholic choir member, shared that despite limited weekly rehearsals, the journey strengthened their bond. Initially anxious about performing in grand churches, he found comfort in the support of fellow members. Many choir members lacked religious backgrounds, yet the journey prompted meaningful conversations about love and faith. Wong recounted participating in a Marian procession, where he held the cross and recited the Rosary with locals in both English and Italian. He felt a profound sense of divine connection despite language differences.
Wong concluded that the journey allowed him to praise God through music while making a pilgrimage. It deepened his faith and enabled him to share peace and spirituality with others: “Music has brought me closer to God, and I have also brought peace, love and faith to others through music.”