Kansas monks record compact disc as fundraiser for Benedictine abbey

Published: 2007-03-02

ATCHISON, Kan. (CNS) -- Benedictine Abbot Barnabas Senecal -- known as "the singing abbot" -- is renowned throughout the Kansas City Archdiocese for his rich tenor and his a cappella renditions at Masses, weddings, confirmations and other liturgies. To the delight of his longtime fans, his singing has been captured on a compact disc that also features the musical talents of other members of St. Benedict's Abbey in Atchison. The CD of liturgical music, "On a Musical Journey," celebrates 150 years of monastic life in Kansas. The varied collection recorded last summer at the abbey also features the monastic schola. The abbey's schola, the core choir of any Benedictine monastery, is in this case comprised of seven monks. Father Blaine Schultz, another monk of the abbey, is the organist and choirmaster for the recording, with Brother Ambrose Nelson directing. The CD sells for $25 and is available at the Benedictine College bookstore's Web site, http://ravenstore.benedictine.edu, or by calling St. Benedict's Abbey at: (913) 367-7853.

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