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"I have come so you may have life more abundantly ..."
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Spiritual Concerts I was Visiting Scholar at the University of Notre Dame from 1990--1993 at the invitation of Richard McBrien, Theology Department chair. This post--doctoral research focused on spirituality and the performing arts. During this time I began to give retreats for parishes, priests and sisters, using aesthetic approaches to spirituality. For example, I have developed what I call spiritual concerts which combine texts and tunes for spiritual insight and growth. This approach gives a feelingful dimension to the meaning of the words and connects head with heart, reason and imagination. I call is "Music with a Message." I have created five Spiritual Concerts thus far. I call them "Music With A Message." 1) "The Meaning of Love" is based on M. Scott Peck’s The Road Less Travelled. I quote briefly from Peck’s text and then sing songs which reflect the feeling s of Peck’s message. The music is drawm from the Broadway, sacred and operatic repertoires. This program explores the meaning of interpersonal intimacy which opens us toward the intimacy of God’s loving us -- a grace present in all human loving. There is a videocassette of this concert, taped at the University of Notre Dame television studio with a live audience. A videocassette is available for $27. 2) "Loving the World" is based on Parker Palmer’s book entitled The Company of Strangers. A similar format to #1 is followed. This program leads us from our intimate loves toward caring about and loving the public order. Songs include several which are sung by the audience as well as by me. 3) "Thomas Merton: Man, Monk, Myth with Music." Texts of Merton relating to four themes of his spirituality: 1) the journey from the false to the True Self; 2) contemplation; 3) prayer and 4) the desert experience of solitude and silence. Merton’s words are interspersed with music sung both by me and by the audience. There is a videocassette of this concert, taped at the Newman Center at the University of Kentucky in Lexington KY when I delivered the Distinguished Lecture in September, 1993. This includes many photos of Merton, Gethsemani and his hermitage -- many photos have never been published. The audience also sings some of the songs. A video is available for $32. 4) "Care of the Soul" is based upon the book of that title by Thomas Moore. A similar combination of texts and tunes largely from the Broadway repertoire is used. Audience also sings some of the songs. 5) "The Passionate Life" is based upon the book of that title by Sam Keen. A similar combination of texts and tunes from the Broadway repertoire is used. Please let me know if I can be with you in this ministry of spirituality. Peace in the Lord, The Rev. Patrick W. Collins, Ph. D. © 2005 Ingrid H. Shafer |