New Haven Parishioners Celebrate Black History Month in Musical Style

 

Story by Shelley Wolf

There was no yawning in the pews at the 10 a.m. Mass on Sun., Feb. 23 at St. Martin de Porres Church in New Haven, as the parishioners of Blessed Michael McGivney Parish came together to celebrate the fourth week of Black History Month.

In addition to a full Mass celebrated by their parochial vicar, Father Joseph MacNeill, parishioners were treated to lively hymns by the St. Martin de Porres Gospel Choir as well as trombone accompaniment and a solo by Naomi Wharry, who is currently pursuing a classical trombone degree at Yale.

“I Found It All in the Word of God,” sung by the choir during the collection, had parishioners swaying in their seats to the rousing gospel hymn. Later, Wharry mesmerized the congregation with an unexpectedly quiet reflective instrumental meditation piece on the trombone.

Prior to the close of the Mass, parishioner Patricia Mason lauded a number of accomplished members of the St. Martin de Porres Church community.

Wharry, the guest trombonist, is an Oklahoma native who grew up in a family of eight. In addition to studying classical music at Yale, she plays in a professional jazz quartet.

Nelson Tamakloe, who directs the choir and accompanies on organ and piano, studied music theory at Yale and is the former director of the Yale Gospel Choir. According to Mason, Nelson, who lives in Massachusetts and had car trouble one day, took the train to New Haven and walked to St. Martin de Porres Church rather than miss a rehearsal days before the choir’s Christmas Eve performance.

Calling him “committed, enthusiastic, faithful and devoted,” Mason said, “You are a quintessential example of dedication.”

Mason also praised the drummer, longtime parishioner Leonardo Melendez, who was baptized in the parish and attended the former St. Martin de Porres School. Known for bringing his own drum set wherever he plays, he drummed away at the special event, accompanying the choir and trombonist.

“It’s wonderful,” Father MacNeill said, “to be able to celebrate two of our parish musicians.”

During the Mass, Father MacNeill delivered a homily on the weekly readings, offering spiritual and practical advice on Jesus’ challenge of loving one’s enemies. He advised the use of “tough love” when necessary, and at other times “killing them with kindness.”

In his reflection he recommended using kindness, mercy and compassion to turn the tables on those who express hate; blessing one’s enemies; and praying for a conversion of heart for those who mistreat us.

“Only then can we truly say we are doing our best every day to be good and faithful Christians,” the priest said. During the prayer intentions, Father MacNeill also asked the congregation to pray for Pope Francis.