Monks of Clear Creek Abbey. Rorate Coeli: Marian Sounds of Advent. Manchester, NH: Sophia Music Group, 2022. CD-Audio $16.99. Available from the publisher.
Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles. Adoration from Carmel: Eucharistic Hymns. Manchester, NH: Sophia Music Group, 2022. CD-Audio $16.99. Available from the publisher.
Two popular new CDs were recently released from Sophia Music Group: Rorate Coeli: Marian Sounds of Advent from the Monks of Clear Creek Abbey in Oklahoma and Adoration from Carmel: Eucharistic Hymns from the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles. Both the Gregorian Chants and Eucharistic Hymns raise listeners’ minds and hearts to God.
In her “Catholic Mom” review, Kate Taliaferro shared: “Advent has always been one of my favorite liturgical seasons. The music, in particular, is something I look forward to each year. I love how mindful our Church has been throughout the centuries to safeguard and celebrate certain passages, melodies and refrains that hold special significance for the various liturgical seasons. I was so happy to be able to receive a copy of Rorate Cœli: Marian Sounds of Advent from the Monks of Clear Creek.”
The Benedictine monks belong to the Solesmes Congregation that was founded in 1999 from the Abbey of Our Lady of Fontgombault in France. These mystical sounds are the fruit of the young, vibrant monastic community’s hidden life, centered on contemplation and the sung liturgy. They sing a cappella on Rorate Coeli, inviting listeners to enjoy the sacred rhythm of the monastic liturgy in honor of Mary.
A reviewer enthused: “Their voices are angelic and the chant is just marvelous. Peaceful and heavenly. I’m already listening to it nightly although Advent isn’t here yet.”
Listeners had similar reactions to the Carmelite Sisters new album Adoration from Carmel: Eucharistic Hymns. A reviewer shared: “It is a very soothing experience listening to this CD. Soothing to people of all faiths. These Sisters really sounded like they were into their music—they ‘feel’ their music, not just sing it. We hope that everyone will take the time to get one of these CDs so they can enjoy the experience of listening to it.”
The Carmelite Sisters unite their voices in their newest heartwarming recording Adoration from Carmel featuring traditional and contemporary hymns on the Blessed Sacrament. With their original angelic choir sound, the sisters radiate peaceful and majestic music through their hymns of praise to God.
Mother Gloria Torres talked about their community’s experience singing. “From the rising of the sun to the setting of the sun, there are moments through the day for us when we sing. We know life is so much bigger than our own little world, and we want to unite our voice with that of eternity.”
These treasured musical collections will resonate in the hearts and souls of listeners for many seasons to come.
Members of the media may send an email to Sophia Institute Press’ Director of Publicity, Sarah Lemieux at slemieux@SophiaInstitute.com to receive a copy of Rorate Coeli: Marian Sounds of Advent or Adoration from Carmel: Eucharistic Hymns, and/or to schedule an interview.
