Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Presents Selections from Handel’s Messiah

The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ (PHJC) presented George Frideric Handel’s famed sacred oratorio, Messiah, on Saturday, November 15, at the Ancilla Domini Chapel in Donaldson right outside of Plymouth. As a cherished tradition of spirituality, drama and uplifting joy, the special performance offers the public an opportunity to experience the revered three-part work while supporting the chapel’s artistic ministries. 

“We enjoy putting these concerts on every year,” said Andrew Jennings, Director of Liturgy and Music for PHJC. “We like bringing people in from outside the community to experience the beauty of the Ancilla Domini Chapel, and form partnerships with the community through the community choir, orchestra and sponsors. We perform Handel’s Messiah every other year and it has become a tradition for people. This shared experience helps form community in an interesting way, and I find that beautiful.” 

The Messiah concert began at 7 p.m. EST at the historic chapel with the Ancilla Domini Community Choir performing a selection of George Frideric Handel’s 1741 oratorio detailing the prophecies and nativity of Jesus Christ. Conductor Andrew Jennings led the performance, which featured soloists Soprano Jessica McCormack, Countertenor Joshua Boggs, Tenor JR Fralick and Baritone Stephen Lancaster. Charles Jennens selected the text for the steadfast work. 

“In the Catholic Church, sacred music concerts are considered a form of outreach, a way to bring people in to experience the beauty of the Church,” Jennings said. “The Poor Handmaids have cultivated this beautiful space here. By inviting people, they are offering visitors a chance to step away from the busyness of their lives and have a transcendental or even spiritual experience. They have always made it their ministry to create a space where people can feel that they belong and are safe.”

Handel’s Messiah tells the complete story of the life of Jesus Christ from his prophesied coming to his death and resurrection. Part I begins the work, focusing on prophecies and culminating in the joyous celebration of the Nativity. The oratorio then moves to Part II, which concentrates on Christ’s passion and resurrection before concluding with the iconic “Hallelujah” chorus. Finally, Part III emphasizes the promise of redemption and the final acclamation of Christ. The performance at Ancilla Domini Chapel contains all of the Part I and selections from Parts II and III.

“There are performance notes in the program that people can read if they want to know more about the piece itself,” Jennings said. “Even people who have attended the Messiah Concert many times might not remember every movement. They have the opportunity to reacquaint themselves with a part of the piece. They might come in and see the harpsichord being played, and that might spark their curiosity to learn more about it.” 

Admission to the concert remains free and open to all members of the public. The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ strongly encourage advance registration for guests to acquire preferred seating. Guests who registered enjoyed an optional dinner preceding the performance, which started at 5 p.m. EST. Proceeds generated from the dinner benefit the Liturgy and Performing Arts at Ancilla Domini Chapel.

“I would like to thank, not only the Poor Handmaids, but also the sponsors who helped make this event possible,” Jennings said. “It is very important to us to be able to put on these concerts for free. We would never want a monetary issue to be the hurdle that keeps someone from being able to experience something like the Messiah Concert.” 

For more information on the PHJC, please visit poorhandmaids.org