Ursuline shared once-in-a-lifetime news on Founders' Day.
The Ursuline choirs have been invited to sing at the Vatican in December. The official announcement came on the school's 144th birthday, February 2.
"This is the pinnacle—to share our gift of music in a setting such as St. Peters Basilica," choir director Jane Chambers said. "This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
Ursuline is scheduled to perform during the Mass of the Holy Innocents on December 28. The choirs will also have additional performances in Rome and Florence.
Ursuline submitted an application and music recording to the Vatican music office before Christmas. The liturgical musical calendar was scheduled to be announced by the end of January, and Ursuline received a call from Monsignor Pablo Colino, Canon and Chapel Master Emeritus of St. Peter's Basilica, on January 30.
Msgr. Colino personally reviewed the audition submission and was impressed by Ursuline's repertoire and musicality. Chambers said he intends to delay a planned trip to his native Spain to meet the choirs and conduct them in a work for the special mass.
"It's a privilege and an honor to be invited and to represent Ursuline Academy of Dallas at the Vatican," Chambers said.