Performances to raise funds for historic mission
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April 4, 2019
The Historic Catholic Mission in St. Ignatius is again producing Lamb of God, presenting multiple shows this month. Last year was the first year of the production, and the mission ended up with an 80-member choir and 26-member orchestra.
The performance against this year will support the Mural Restoration Project at the mission. Last year, $36,000 in donations was raised at four free-admission performances.
The Historic Catholic Mission was built in the early 1890s out of brick made from local clay. The mission had a significant role of the history of the Mission Valley, which bears its name. The string of the Rocky Mountains that run through the valley also reflect its influence - the Mission Range. The Mission’s 58 frescos (murals or paintings) were painted by the mission cook, Brother Joseph Carignano, an untrained artist. Those murals and the church are now nearly 130 years old. The murals are beginning to deteriorate, and the process of restoration is delicate and expensive. People from all over the world come to visit the mission each year and it has been listed on the U.S. Registry of Historic Places since 1973.
Lamb of God is a musical retelling of the New Testament account of the last days of the life of Jesus Christ, His Atonement and Resurrection. This year’s 53-member choir and 24-member orchestra are all volunteers from 11 different communities and many different denominations. Some have traveled more than 100 miles round trip to practices each week for several weeks. The group consists of individuals with all levels of musical backgrounds, from seasoned symphony members to some “home-spun” musicians with no training.
Performances are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. The schedule includes:
April 5, 7: St. Ignatius Historic Catholic Mission.
April 16, 17: St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Missoula.
April 20: Performing Arts Center in Ronan Middle School.
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