On Tuesday, May 2025 a large assembly of musicians and music lovers attended a concert in the Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles, in Rome, conducted by Friar Robert CALLEJA. Friar Robert is from the Province of St. Paul the Apostle in Malta. He serves as the Director of the Basilica’s Cappella Costantiniana Choir. This concert marked a milestone for our confrere, who will earn a Licentiate Degree in Choir Direction at the end of his studies at the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music (PIMS) in Rome.
The Guardian and Pastor of the Friary and Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles, Friar Francesco CELESTINO, greeted all those present, including the Minister General, Friar Carlos A. TROVARELLI, the Procurator General, Friar Maurizio DI PAOLO, and several confreres from the local community and the Vatican Penitentiary. Also in attendance was Friar Mario SANT from London and Friar Peter HRDY, the Director of the Cappella Choir in Assisi, along with relatives and friends of Friar Robert.
The concert was introduced by the Dean of PIMS, Friar Robert MEHLHART (Dominican) who expressed thanks for the hospitality received and also mentioned the Centenary of the Canticle of the Creatures. The concert featured performances by a choir formed by PIMS students, including many men and women religious, and the PIMS Chamber Orchestra.
The concert began with performances of Sicut Cervus by Giovanni PIERLUIGI da Palestrina and Ave Maria attributed to Guillaume BOUZIGNAC, conducted by two students who are in their first year of study for the Choir Directing Licentiate. The main program consisted of the Mass in G major D167 and the Magnificat in C major D486 by Franz SCHUBERT, which were masterfully performed and decisively conducted by Friar Robert. At the end of the concert, he thanked his professors, particularly Professor Walter MARZILLI a lecturer in choir direction, who was in the audience. He also thanked his Superiors and confreres for supporting him during his studies. Most of all he thanked and praised the Lord, for whom we compose the most sublime works of art.
When the concert was finished, the Guardian invited everyone gather in the friary cloister for some refreshments and to spend some convivial and fraternal time together.
Our fraternity wishes Friar Robert all the best and we hope he may always sing God’s praises and have them sung to God’s people, making the most of his charism of leadership, cultivated with perseverance, and shared with humble kindness.
Friar Maurizio DI PAOLO
