A New and Beautiful Sound of Praise

Siena now has a new organ for St. Mary of the Angels Chapel, blessed on February 8 by Albany's new bishop.

Bishop Mark O'Connell celebrated the Mass introducing the fully digital instrument generously gifted by Steve '73 and Janeece Brophy.

"The Franciscan tradition celebrates all of creation as a song of praise to the Creator," said Fr. Mark G. Reamer '83, O.F.M., D.Min., vice president for mission. "The gift of this new organ provides a magnificent new voice that will enhance and deepen the beauty of our worship today and for generations of students to come. I'm grateful for the Brophys' belief in the distinctive value of our Catholic and Franciscan mission and this transformative gift."

One of the guest organists at the blessing was Fr. Timothy J. Shreenan '76, O.F.M., pastor of St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church in Hartford, CT. He played a previous organ in the Chapel when he was a student at Siena.

A mostly self-taught musician and now a Franciscan friar, he hoped that one day Siena would have a top-of-the-line organ befitting the many life milestones celebrated here, according to Richard Putorti, director of music in Siena's Chaplain's Office.

"He dreamed of a beautiful new organ then and assisted in securing the instrument we now have," said Putorti. "It was so appropriate that he was here to play it."

A separate dedication service is being planned for this fall, featuring organ and choral works.