Nationally acclaimed men's vocal ensemble aims to spark revival of sacred music in the Church during day of prayer, song, and reflection

BISMARCK, N.D. - The University of Mary invites the public to its annual Prayer Day-a long-standing tradition of faith, reflection, and community-featuring Floriani, one of the nation's most respected Catholic men's vocal ensembles, as this year's keynote guests and performers.

Founded in 2021, Floriani is dedicated to drawing souls to Christ through the transcendent beauty of sacred music. The four-member ensemble-Giorgio Navarini, Thomas Quackenbush, Graham Crawley, and Joseph Daly-share a collective mission: to revive Catholic sacred music and inspire deeper reverence for Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

"Nothing short of a revival of Catholic sacred music in churches nationwide will accelerate the return to sacred liturgical tradition and greater reverence for Jesus Christ in the Eucharist," the group explains on their website. "A Catholic Church alive with the beauty of the liturgy will be a much more potent force for a nation that is collapsing for its rejection of what is true, good, and beautiful."

A Day of Prayer, Song, and Community

Prayer Day takes place Wednesday, November 12, on the University of Mary campus and begins with Mass at 9 a.m. in the Our Lady of the Annunciation Chapel, accompanied by Floriani's music. Their rich harmonies, steeped in the Gregorian chant and polyphonic traditions of the Church, will set a contemplative tone for the day.

At 10 a.m., Floriani will present their keynote concert and reflection in the same chapel, offering a musical journey through more than 2,000 years of sacred tradition from both the East and the West. Their performance will be followed by a panel discussion at 11 a.m. in Butler Auditorium, where the group will share insights about their mission, musical calling, and how sacred art continues to evangelize hearts in a modern world often starved for beauty.

"Beauty has the power to evangelize in ways words cannot," said Father Dominic Bouck, chaplain and director of University Ministry at Mary. "Floriani embodies that beauty and the Benedictine spirit of prayer and work-ora et labora-by transforming their art into an offering to God. Their music leads listeners into prayer and reveals the harmony between beauty, truth, and goodness."

A lunch at 11:30 a.m. in the Crow's Nest Campus Restaurant, proudly sponsored by Steve and Eileen Scheel,provides an opportunity for attendees to gather in fellowship. (Meal tickets are available for pre-registered guests.)

The day continues with Sung Vespers at 4:30 p.m. in the chapel, again led by Floriani, and culminates in a 7:30 p.m. concert featuring Floriani performing alongside the University of Mary Concert Choir and Cappella. A freewill offering will be accepted.

For those wishing to end the day in joyful community, a "Grog & Song" gathering will take place at 9 p.m. in Chesterton's Pub, where attendees can join Floriani for informal conversation and song. (A freewill offering will be accepted. Free beer and soft drinks will be served; guests must present a state-issued ID for age verification.)

Floriani's Mission: Beauty as Evangelization

Floriani's mission has quickly resonated with Catholics across the nation. In 2024 alone, they performed for more than 50,000 people at the National Eucharistic Congress and released Chants of Deliverance, a best-selling album of sacred music.

Floriani tours nationally and internationally, offering concerts, liturgical music, educational workshops, and professional recordings that reflect the continuity and majesty of the Church's musical heritage. "Our goal is to restore beauty to the heart of Catholic worship," Navarini said in a recent interview. "When people encounter beauty in the liturgy, they encounter God."

About Prayer Day

Prayer Day is organized annually by the Saint John Paul II Center for University Ministry at the University of Mary. Since its founding over four decades ago, the event has served as a day of renewal for students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community-fostering reflection, gratitude, and unity rooted in the university's Benedictine values.

"Prayer Day is one of our most treasured traditions," Father Bouck added. "It reminds us who we are as a faithfully Christian, joyfully Catholic, and gratefully Benedictine community. This year's event with Floriani promises to lift hearts and minds to God in a powerful way through music, reflection, and prayer."

The entire event is free and open to the public.

Attendees can register and find more details at umary.edu/prayerday.