Marian Center's hand bell choir plays for Pope Francis in Rome, others in Italy

MIAMI GARDENS| The sound of bells tolling is part of the soundtrack of Rome, the eternal city. But from April 2 to 7, 2018, their resonance was altered by the musical input of 13 members of the Marian Center’s hand bell choir, who toured and performed at various locations, including for Pope Francis at the general audience April 4.

After months of rehearsing and preparing, a dream became a reality as the Marian Center’s students, teachers and chaperones met Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square. The pope greeted and blessed them, and even gave a shout out to Miami. (Look for the videos posted on their Facebook page.)

The group presented the pope with a quilt containing patches with crosses, hearts, flowers, butterflies and more, all made by students of the Marian Center to commemorate the trip. The quilt included a quote by Pope Francis: “Beauty, under the care of artists, has the ability to transform even the everyday lives of men and women. Beauty has the power to heal hearts and souls.”

The hearts and souls of the students certainly were touched as they told Pope Francis “We love you.” And he, in turn, replied, “I love you. Pray for me."