In 1597, Father Joseph Calasanz opened a free school in Rome for poor children. But his educational vision went beyond reading, writing, and religion. Music also had an important place in it.
He was a strong supporter of the sacred music of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, one of the great composers of Renaissance church music. Palestrina was known for his beautiful polyphonic Masses and other liturgical works.
Father Joseph also provided musical training for his students, including poor children. His reason was practical: music could give talented children a way to earn a living. Singing or playing an instrument was not merely a cultural or religious activity. It could become a useful skill and, eventually, a livelihood.
Music was also part of religious life in his schools. Children sang litanies and spiritual songs during certain activities, making music part of their everyday formation.
But he was not enthusiastic about every kind of performance. He had reservations about theater because he believed it could encourage vanity and distract students from their formation.
Saint Joseph Calasanz did not simply want poor children to hear beautiful music.
He wanted them to have the chance to make it.
Let’s keep learning the saints’ way—day by day.
⌨ ᴛʸᵖⁱⁿᵍ ᴏᵘᵗ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ʙˡᵘᵉ ᵈᵃʳᵉᵐ ᵐᵘˢⁱᶜ ᵇˡᵒᵍ