The Pius X High School choirs will come together in a landmark musical and liturgical event this Sunday.
The event features Frank LaRocca’s Mass of the Americas — a stunning contemporary setting of the Catholic Mass that has captured hearts around the country. This performance promises to be a beautiful highlight of our school year and a heartfelt celebration of our faith.
The mass will be a full Sunday obligation mass with Bishop James Conley celebrating the sacrifice of the mass at 2:30 PM at the UNL Newman Center’s St. Thomas Aquinas church.
Four curricular choirs from Pius X — the Pius X Men’s Choir, Laudamus Women’s Choir, Sotto Voce, and Concert Choir — will combine their voices in unity, offering a richly layered sound that will elevate the liturgy and draw the congregation deeper into prayer.
Under the direction of Todd Krier and Shani Sorensen, the Mass will include the portions of the Mass of the Americas creating a tapestry of sacred music that honors tradition while embracing the diverse musical heritage of the Americas. Additional movements are drawn from the Mass of St. Pius X by Todd Krier.
Mass of the Americas: A Tribute to Unity and Devotion
Composed by American liturgical composer Frank LaRocca, Mass of the Americas has been acclaimed by critics and audiences alike as one of the most significant sacred compositions of our time. Its recording — featuring the Benedict XVI Choir and Orchestra — **debuted at #1 on the Billboard Classical charts and ranked among the annual Top Ten recordings of 2022.
LaRocca’s work is notable for its blending of sacred choral traditions with indigenous and folk elements. Sung in Latin, Spanish, and Nahuatl — the language spoken by Our Lady of Guadalupe to St. Juan Diego — the Mass weaves together cultures and musical styles in a profound expression of the unity of the Church across the Americas.
This Mass was conceived as a tribute to both Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (patroness of the United States) and Our Lady of Guadalupe (patroness of Mexico and all the Americas), making it especially fitting as we prepare to celebrate the Eucharist with deep reverence and joy.
Why This Mass Is So Special?
Liturgical Beauty: LaRocca’s Mass of the Americas roots itself in the Catholic musical tradition — Gregorian chant, Renaissance counterpoint, and orchestral color — yet feels fresh, prayerful, and alive.
Cultural Unity: By incorporating beloved Mexican hymns such as La Guadalupana and integrating indigenous language into sacred texts, the work bridges cultures in a way that enriches the liturgical experience.
Artistry and Praise: The work’s journey from concert hall acclaim to liturgical celebration highlights its dual power — as both great art and profound worship.
