The Enduring Power of Song

sisters share spiritual, stirring connections with music

Perhaps nothing more effectively conjures emotion than hearing the familiar notes of a song with which we associate — either consciously or subconsciously — an important event or time in our lives. Just a few notes in, and we are transported back to a wedding day, a school dance, Sunday morning Mass in a childhood parish, times of joy and even times of sorrow. Music is a source of reflection and reminiscence for our Sisters and, for some, it’s even a ministry.

Special songs remind us of people who are dear and can reconnect us, even for a moment, with memories we haven't recalled in years. Music also can heal. According to Music & Memory, a non-profit that provides access to customized music devices and playlists for nursing homes and rehabilitation programs, our brains are hard-wired to connect music with long-term memory. Even for persons with severe dementia, music can into tap deep emotional recall. That’s why, even in doing mundane tasks, songs pop into our heads for no apparent reason at all.

Such is often the case for Sister Norberta Kralosky, who recalls for us her connection to a cherished song:

“Away back in 1944 when I first came to Mount Assisi Academy as a student, I was agog about so many new things now that I was in high school. One thing stands out in my mind: After lunch, the entire student body would meet in the our chapel to a say a few prayers and sing Heart of Jesus, a special song that Sister Gerard Lampl (one of our pioneer sisters who established our presence in the United States in 1913) seemed to like. When I heard so many girls singing this song in two voices, I was enthralled. It was beautiful. A few days ago, I was going through some of my favorite papers and, low and behold, I began singing it like I did as a student. Often during the day, I find myself humming it.”

Many who have returned to Mass as COVID-19 restrictions have been eased have found it hard to remain silent — as is recommended to prevent spread of the virus — when the organist plays a familiar hymn. We automatically want to join in the singing. For now anyway, we must remain content with “singing silently.”

When enjoyed privately, music also can provide an escape from the silence we’ve all endured as part of isolation during the pandemic. Its therapeutic value is priceless. Sister Pat Marie Buranosky connects with other residents at Mt. Assisi Place by playing Ave Maria by a variety of artists on her iPad for them after breakfast. “It’s a good way to start the day,” they tell her.

Sister Lorita Kristufek just recently returned to playing the organ for Sunday Mass at Mt Assisi Place, something she hadn’t done since the pandemic changed our lives irreparably in mid-March. She and those among us who cantor, including Sisters Patricia Ann Mahoney and Mary Therese Sherwood, have been “out of work” in recent months.

“Music is and has been my life for 59 years in our community,” Sister Lorita says. “For these many months, I was most looking forward to attending Mass and playing the organ, piano and keyboard in the chapel.”

Surely, as you read this, you can think of at least one song that always transports you back to another place and time — or that can soften your mood and soothe your soul.

“Music has always been an important part of my life. It is very much a part of my prayer,” says Sister Marguerite Stewart. “Music is such a great gift ... it can truly speak to us.”