Central ND News

The University of Mary will host its annual Prayer Day on November 12, featuring the Catholic men’s vocal ensemble Floriani as keynote guests and performers. The event is open to the public and aims to promote faith, reflection, and community through music and discussion.

Floriani, founded in 2021, consists of Giorgio Navarini, Thomas Quackenbush, Graham Crawley, and Joseph Daly. The group is known for their dedication to reviving Catholic sacred music and fostering deeper reverence for Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. According to a statement on their website: “Nothing short of a revival of Catholic sacred music in churches nationwide will accelerate the return to sacred liturgical tradition and greater reverence for Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. A Catholic Church alive with the beauty of the liturgy will be a much more potent force for a nation that is collapsing for its rejection of what is true, good, and beautiful.”

Prayer Day activities begin with Mass at 9 a.m. in Our Lady of the Annunciation Chapel, accompanied by Floriani’s performance rooted in Gregorian chant and polyphonic traditions. At 10 a.m., Floriani will present a keynote concert and reflection covering over two millennia of sacred musical heritage from both Eastern and Western traditions.

A panel discussion with Floriani follows at 11 a.m. in Butler Auditorium. The group will discuss their mission, their experiences as musicians dedicated to sacred art, and how this art form continues to reach people today.

Father Dominic Bouck, chaplain and director of University Ministry at Mary said: “Beauty has the power to evangelize in ways words cannot. Floriani embodies that beauty and the Benedictine spirit of prayer and work—ora et labora—by transforming their art into an offering to God. Their music leads listeners into prayer and reveals the harmony between beauty, truth, and goodness.”

A lunch sponsored by Steve and Eileen Scheel takes place at 11:30 a.m. in Crow’s Nest Campus Restaurant for pre-registered guests.

Later events include Sung Vespers at 4:30 p.m., also led by Floriani; then at 7:30 p.m., Floriani performs with the University of Mary Concert Choir and Cappella during an evening concert where freewill offerings are accepted.

The day concludes with “Grog & Song” at Chesterton’s Pub starting at 9 p.m., allowing attendees to join informal conversation with Floriani while enjoying complimentary drinks (with ID required).

In recent years Floriani has expanded its reach across national audiences; they performed before more than 50,000 people during the National Eucharistic Congress in 2024. They also released "Chants of Deliverance," which became a best-selling album that year.

Floriani continues touring domestically and internationally through concerts, liturgical services, workshops, and recordings focused on preserving Catholic musical tradition. Navarini commented recently: “Our goal is to restore beauty to the heart of Catholic worship. When people encounter beauty in the liturgy, they encounter God.”