Bring the sacred beauty of churches during the Christmas season into your home with the St. Cecilia Suite of ornaments, named for the patron saint of music (and my patron saint). As a singer, I've had the pleasure of serving in music ministry for most of my life and have had the joy of adding to the beauty in the liturgy at the historic churches seen in these ornaments.
A portion of proceeds from this suite of ornaments will go toward increasing sacred music offerings in New Orleans.
-St. Augustine on Rue Henriette Delille, was founded by the diverse community of Treme in 1841 and was where my great-great-grandparents were married and my great-grandmother was baptized. Its Italianate architecture has been the witness to great history over the centuries. Their parish remains diverse and enjoys a joyous Gospel Mass each week.
-St. Louis Cathedral-Basilica has long been a symbol of strength, beauty, and wonderful music in our city. I served as Cantor and section leader there for several years. Its doors have been open to all for more than 200 years and at Christmas, the facade is flanked with lights and bows in nearby Jackson Square as people enjoy the concert series throughout the season.
-St. Rose de Lima was a gorgeously appointed and warm church on Bayou Road. Founded in 1857, its early pastor was a voice for abolition and equality in 19th century New Orleans. My mother served as Music Director for several years before Hurricane Katrina forced its closure. Here it is represented as I last saw it at Christmas 2004, with the altar flanked with trees and poinsettias.
-Trinity Episcopal Church on Jackson Avenue in Uptown New Orleans has been a haven for sacred and secular music for years in our community. Through their Artist Series on Sunday nights, as well as its organ labyrinth hour, it has offered sanctuary to music lovers for more than 25 years.
All four ornaments feature a back that reminds us of the reason for the season: peace in word, and peace as symbolized by a dove, with a touch of New Orleans humor.
Each ornament features my signature and its date of creation and comes in a handmade Belle Lafaye box. It's the perfect gift for the architecture lover, music aficionado or nostalgic New Orleanian in your life!
