10/09/2026
Born of Joy: In 2020, the world fell silent. Concert halls closed, churches stood quiet, and musicians everywhere experienced the profound loss of gathering together to sing. In the midst of that silence, the University of Mary recognized the deep human and spiritual need for the beauty of sacred music.
Monsignor James P. Shea envisioned a new kind of musical ministry: What if students gifted in music, devoted to sacred music, and committed to service could come to the University of Mary—and receive scholarships to sing sacred music, much like college athletes are supported in their pursuits? From that vision, Ca****la was born.
In the fall of 2021, twenty students from across the country gathered for Ca****la’s first choral retreat, beginning what would become a remarkable ministry of music, prayer, and service. As the University of Mary Chapel Choir, Ca****la has provided music for campus liturgies, feast days, celebrations, and special occasions, while also praying through sung Solemn Vespers and other events.
Since its founding, Ca****la has carried its mission beyond the University of Mary, sharing the beauty of sacred music throughout the region, across the United States, and internationally. From its musical pilgrimage to Spain and France to its Eucharistic music project and debut album, Abide in Me: Eucharistic Music for Revival, Ca****la continues to seek ways for music to become an offering of beauty, faith, and joy.
Rooted in the Benedictine values of community, hospitality, prayer, and service, Ca****la embraces its particular calling: to glorify God through music and to serve the Church through beauty.
Five years after that first gathering, Ca****la joyfully welcomed its founding members home to the University of Mary. This weekend, we celebrate not only five years of music, but five years of friendship, faith, service, and the enduring joy of singing together. 💙
"O blessed am I, that I may sing my devotion."
📷: Mike McCleary & Regina Turner
