Reflecting some of the tentative joy that underlies Advent, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity offer meditative Mary Did You Know played by Marisa Tisler, a Manitowoc, WI, Holy Family Conservatory student as a reflective podcast.
Composition begins with a meditative pause calling for a deeper silence this Advent.
The youtube video includes sacred images from these inspiring places: Sacred Heart, Reedsburg, WI; St Helena, Minneapolis, MN; Nativity of the Lord Parish, St Paul, MN; Franciscan Sister Victoria Masil’s painting from Holy Family Convent Motherhouse, Manitowoc, WI; St. Mary, Appleton, WI; Holy Cross, Kaukauna, WI; Holy Spirit, Kimberly, WI; St. Mary Menomonee Falls, WI; Sacred Heart, Sherwood, WI; Nativity Parish, Cudahy, WI; St. Paul, Combined Locks, WI; St. Mark , St. Paul, MN; St. Gabriel, Neenah, WI; St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral, La Crosse, WI and O’Shaughnessy-Frey Library Center, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN.
About Marisa
Although Marisa performs this piece as a piano instrumental the text (of songwriters LOWRY, MARK/GREENE, BUDDY) comes to mind for the listener who is familiar with the vocal rendition. There is an overall sense of mystery in the many questions put to Mary, Mother of this miracle child, Jesus. How could Mary have ever known how all of the details of the life of Jesus would unfold? Yet the lyrics of the song present all of these questions to Mary. The last line of lyrics links the profound mystery of God made flesh through these words, ”This sleeping child you’re holding Is the great I am.”
The acoustics of the new Endries Theater in the Franciscan Center for Music Education and Performance are state of the art. The rendering of Mary Did You Know was successful after the first recording. As a musician to perform in Endries Hall it is a delight because of the ability to hear how all of the tones of the music mix and blend. The balance is easily attained and can be clearly delivered to the audience regardless of where the individual chooses to be seated.
-Sister Carol Ann Gambsky, Administrator of Holy Family Conservatory
Marisa is a joy to teach. She
is focused, practices in an organized manner. The song, “Mary, Did You know?” was relearned for the website. She has matured in recent years because of her many High School involvements and in many areas has taken on leadership roles. Her interpretation of this song is evidence of her deep reflections and respect for the music.
-Sister Mary Carol Kopecky, Holy Family Conservatory teacher
Invitation to Submit Your Own Creative Podcast…
After watching our spiritually moving collage of mostly stained glass windows, do you feel inspired to create your own Mary Did You Know Advent Podcast? We would be happy to share your contemplative creativity with others. Upload on youtube and please send us your link. Click here for the song lyrics.
