Article by Phoenix writer Keira Quigley ’26:
Kellenberg’s Gregorian Consortium honored the lives lost on September 11th by performing at Point Lookout’s memorial service. For the past 15 years, Kellenberg has been invited by the Town of Hempstead to perform. Among the Gregorian Consortium, performances from people such as a fireman and a bagpipe band were presented. Many faith leaders were present, including a Catholic priest, a Jewish rabbi, and a Christian minister.
Although ceremonies in the past have been about an hour long, this year’s ceremony lasted only about forty minutes due to torrential downpours of rain. The students and teachers who participated were soaked, but after the ceremony, the sun came out. The singers were then invited following the memorial to sing at St. Agnes’ Cathedral for midday mass.
A sophomore student in the Gregorian Consortium, Monica Arreaga-Cacao enjoyed performing for this event, despite the rain. She shares, “I like how all the families are so happy we were there to sing for them and remember their loved ones.”
“It’s a great tradition that we are a part of, to remember the people we lost, but also the service and bravery of the American people,” said Mr. Bursig, the moderator of the Gregorian Consortium along with Mr. Basile and Ms. Solimeno. “I think it’s important for our students to see that.”
“I love seeing how much our presence means to the families, because even after so many years, so many people still come up and thank us for coming,” Mr. Basile remarks. “Here at Kellenberg, we bring a faith aspect to the picture that so many of these families want. I’m very grateful Kellenberg has continued to be given an opportunity to be there.”
This was a very special day for everyone involved. The students, teachers, and families of the victims who attended the memorial hold a special bond for this day.
If you are interested in becoming part of the Gregorian Consortium and taking part in special events like this, please email Mr. Basile at mrbasile@kellenberg.org!
