Norbertine, Former Archmere Trustee Writes Official Hymn for Pope's Visit

12/8/2014

Father Andrew Ciferni, O.Praem, a former Archmere Academy trustee (2002-2008; 2012-2013) and teacher at Saint Norbert College in DePere, Wisconsin, has written a song of praise that has been chosen as the official hymn for Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia next year. The song, titled “Sound the Bell of Holy Freedom” was a collaborative effort between the Norbertine priest and composer Normand Gouin, and was selected among many entries in a national competition.

Pope Francis is scheduled to make his debut visit to the United States in September 2015 for the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, a conference held every three years in a different city to celebrate the importance of family.

Father Cirferni, who is a native of Philadelphia, focused on the life of Jesus when penning the lyrics, which he composed in just two days. He was quoted by Green Bay journalist Kris Schuller saying “The genealogy is saying God can work even through sin - but that God is working through family.”

Humbly, Father Ciferni says that he is happy for the attention that his song has brought to Saint Noerbert College and the Norbertine community, and hopes that the hymn might become a regular selection for Holy Family Sunday.

The song was first performed by the Cathedral Choir during the Offertory Procession of the November 30th Sunday evening Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul celebrated by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.

Father Ciferni was also the composer of the Archmere Academy prayer, and the mission and vision statements for Daylesford Abbey in Paoli, Pennsylvania.

The lyrics and full song can be found on http://www.worldmeeting2015.org.

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Archmere Academy is a private, Catholic, college preparatory co-educational academy,
grades 9-12 founded in 1932 by the Norbertine Fathers.