The Gathering
As they entered the hotel, Georg knew he wanted to put an end to Maria's pretending, exactly when he did not know. And he was sure Maria felt the same.
They entered an elevator which didn't have an operator. They were alone. They shared a fervent kiss. When the elevator door opened, they could hear the children's excited voices.
"I think their meal gave them energy, Georg."
"I suppose it did. Hopefully, we can get them to go to bed soon."
Then they both heard Liesl. "We should practice our songs before we go to bed."
It was Gretl who saw them approach. "Did you hear Liesl? We want to be perfect. God will be listening."
Gretl's words took the couple by surprise. They exchanged surprised glances.
Maria answered. "Yes Gretl, God will be listening. Liesl, go ahead and direct them as you will tomorrow."
Everyone crowded into the largest room. The children stood as they would tomorrow. Liesl, Friedrich and Louisa formed the back row. Kurt and Brigitta were in front of them and finally Marta and Gretl stood in the very front.
Maria had discovered that Liesl could perfectly hum the tone which began each of their songs. And that was how they practiced. They sang each song twice.
Georg exclaimed. "Children, God is going to be very pleased. Now, you need to go onto bed. You need to be rested so you can sing your very best tomorrow."
Each child received a kiss and hug before they ran off to their bedrooms. Max and the ladies departed as well. Georg and Maria sat together awhile longer.
"Tomorrow will be a day beyond my imagination. I don't think we will personally meet the Pope; even being in his presence is an opportunity very few Sisters ever have."
"It is rather awesome. How are you holding up?"
"Thinking about the next part of our plan does make me nervous. How about you?"
"The same, but I know James' plan should work."
"We need to get some sleep. As I told Rosa, I think the children's anticipation of singing for the Pope will wake them early."
"It's a good thing I'm sleeping with Brigitta; she won't read under her covers."
The couple also knew not to linger in the bedroom. It's was Georg's room. Georg took Maria's hand.
"I'll walk my fiancée to her room; we'll kiss and say goodnight there."
"I love you and I love how you take care of me."
"My joy, darling, I love you. Let's fall asleep with our kiss in our minds and hearts."
They shared a rather passionate kiss. Georg quietly opened the door for Maria. She shut it just as quietly.
Neither knew the other didn't depart immediately. They were both still enjoying the after effects of their kiss. Soon Maria had found her way to the bathroom where she changed and gently laid down beside Brigitta, who was asleep and never woke up.
Georg casually returned to his room with a smile on his lips and the fullness of Maria's love in his heart. His pleasant thoughts helped him fall asleep quickly.
And morning came as the couple expected. The children were awake shortly after sunrise; they were rather boisterous in the hall. Luckily, they occupied the entire floor of the rather small hotel. They didn't dilly after breakfast. They returned to their rooms to change into their clothes for the gathering. The bus was on time.
"Rosa, they're more than ready to sing today."
"It is going to be wonderful, Maria. We should be at the amphitheater in twenty minutes. Is everyone ready?"
"Yes, each has used the restroom in the last few minutes."
Max directed traffic. "Isabel and Katia are first, children."
"I'm the youngest, I should go next."
"Be my guest, Gretl."
Max stood aside as the others quickly followed. As soon as Georg was seated, the driver pulled away. Everyone was looking out the window, searching for the amphitheater.
What they did see were many buses and large cars which were parked on a nearby field. Maria noticed the large tarp.
"Georg, look over at that tarp. I can see all the Cardinals in their red cassocks. The Pope is probably there too."
"It's a rather awesome sight."
As Georg had finished speaking, the bus came to a stop. Rosa stood and got everyone's attention.
"I know you are wondering about the amphitheater. Believe me, it's here. It was constructed long ago using a deep hole in the ground. Let's get off the bus and we'll walk to the edge."
Everyone was intrigued. They followed Rosa. And they also saw other groups walking in the same direction. Ushers were there just like in a real theater. Rosa approached one.
"These are the Salzburg Singers."
"Tell them to follow me."
By now Rosa knew Georg had a fair command of Italian. He had immediately repeated the usher's request to the group. Everyone followed Georg and Maria.
The usher stopped at the edge of amphitheater. Now everyone saw the deep hole. About twenty rows of stone benches formed a semi-circle. Down in the center was a stage. Several groups had already taken their places. The usher used a portion of the benches as steps to walk down.
He paused three rows from the very last one. The children sat on the one closest to the stage. All the adults sat behind them.
Rosa spoke to them. "I expect the amphitheater to be filled. All the singers number over 150 and then you add all the adults and more from Rome. It will be packed."
Maria had words for her children. "Now, don't be nervous. When you sing you should find a spot to look at; soon everything will disappear."
"Very good words of advice, I do that even when I give a lecture."
As their father finished speaking, a small group of musicians began to warm up their instruments. He commented.
"That's a sign the program will begin soon."
Maria also made a comment after they began to play.
"The music is to the hymn, Hail Redeemer, King Divine. It reminds us to let God rule our hearts, our minds and our will until in peace each nation sings praises to God Almighty."
"A perfect song for this gathering."
"Yes, I think so too."
Everyone watched as the Cardinals entered and took their places on the stage. They remained standing. That was a signal for everyone to stand. The tone of the music became triumphant.
Maria immediately recognized it. She whispered to Georg. "That's another perfect hymn. One phrase asks God to bless every nation. I see the Pope. Everyone should remain standing."
They both saw that everyone had. The children had been told they would sing The prayer of St. Richard of Chichester with all the others at this point in the program. Maria whispered to the children. "Watch the man who's standing in front of the music group."
They saw him in the director's position; both arms were raised. He dropped them and the immediately raised them again. This time when he dropped them slightly, all the children knew it was time to begin singing.
Miraculously, they all began to sing on cue. The voices of the various languages filled the air. When they finished, one Cardinal came forward. He used a hand motion which met to sit.
"Before the Holy Father speaks to you, I bid you welcome to my country. I'm sure all of you recognize these words of Jesus. Let the children come to me for God's Kingdom is for them.
"You were invited here to sing praises to Christ Our Lord. God and Jesus are of one being. They will be listening as you pray in song. Please remain seated as the Holy Father addresses you."
The Pope took his place before them. He began with the sign of the cross. "Jesus left us with wonderful instructions on how to live. They are found in what we today call the Beatitudes. He asked us to follow him, to travel with Him along the path of love. Like your song prayer said. He wants you to know Him more clearly, to love Him more dearly and to follow Him more nearly each and every day.
"Today we face a lot of challenges especially from those who do not believe and have allowed evil to fill them. We need to pray for all people to be able to live free; not to be told they can't worship God their way or having a leader who thinks he is god. With Jesus in our hearts, we will experience the peace and joy that only God can give.
"I'm anxious to hear each group's songs. You may be seated. We will begin with the group from Algeria. You may applaud when they finish."
Maria had the program; she knew the children were third to sing. The other groups were silent as they listened. And they did applaud loudly. After Australia was Austria.
The announcer spoke. "And now representing Austria are the Salzburg Singers."
Liesl led her brothers and sisters down the steps to a small platform. They stood facing the Pope and the Cardinals. She stepped in front of them. She spoke very quietly. "Don't be nervous; take a deep breath." Then she gave them a tone and then took her place.
It was Maria who was a tad worried. She took hold of Georg's hand with a firmness which told him she was nervous. They both seemed to take a deep breath as Friedrich and Brigitta began the first song, Dona Nobis Pacem. Louisa and Marta started to sing at the proper time and Liesl, Gretl and Kurt did the same.
The entire audience applauded loudly when they finished. Liesl waited for the applause to stop. "Here's your tone for our next song."
Neither Georg nor Maria spoke. Their hand clasp remained firm.
All of them hummed the tone and then began the Prayer of St. Francis. They were so surprised that the applause was even louder.
Now the couple relaxed their hands and enjoyed listening to their last song. It was the one Max had recommended. It was, Amazing Grace. It too brought thunderous applause. They bowed respectfully; then returned to their seats.
This time Georg and Maria clapped with the audience. Maria whispered to Georg. "They were perfect."
"I heard the applause."
The last country of the twenty which were present was the United States. They sang American spirituals. They too received thunderous applause. The Pope again stood.
"My dear young people, the Lord our God heard your prayers for peace. Please continue to not only sing your prayers but say prayers which will keep peace in your hearts. Perhaps others will follow your example. I ask God's blessing on each of you. As your country is named, please stand so I may bless you individually.
The Pope said the blessing as he made the Sign of the Cross over each group as they stood in alphabetical order.
The triumphantful music began again as the Holy Father exited the platform. The music changed as the Cardinals followed him. Then the buzz of the children began. Their exit to their cars and buses was orderly.
Rosa told them. "Your songs were perfect; no one else sang them. We're going to visit the Sistine Chapel before the driver returns you to the hotel."
"Is that the chapel where Michelangelo painted the ceiling?"
"Yes Brigitta it is. You must read a lot."
"She reads everything, Rosa. She's very advanced for her age."
For once Georg was glad Brigitta spoke; it didn't give Rosa a chance to ask when they were returning home.
When the driver stopped near a rather plain dingy gold building, the driver heard a familiar question.
"Is this really the Sistine Chapel?"
"I assure you it is. The inside is a glorious display of frescos and tapestries depicting the stories from the Bible in addition to Michelangelo painted ceiling. A chapel guide will show you around."
The driver parked the bus. He and Rosa led the way to the visitor entrance. Here a guide was waiting to accompany them on a tour.
The guide wasn't at all surprised by their first reaction. All their faces were those of absolute awe. No one could speak; what they saw had taken their breath away.
One immediately views the altar and Michelangelo's painting of the Last Judgment. And before looking at the ceiling visitors noticed all the other paintings on the walls. The guide commented.
"Those frescos on the sides were painted by several famous artists of that time; one side is all about Moses and the other the Life of Christ. I know seeing all that is on the ceiling is difficult; it is quite high from the floor.
"Take your time and view the thousand square meters of frescos which tell the marvels of Creation and the story of Man, from the Beginning to the Fall."
The guide answered all their questions which included explanations of things they viewed. Soon the questions ceased. The guide led them to the door.
Maria spoke to him. "I thank you for all of us. Your details provided so much then you gather from just viewing everything. We'll remember this place for a long time."
"It was my pleasure." They exchanged goodbyes. Maria hurried to catch up to Georg.
The bus ride back to the hotel was quiet. The excitement of the day had worn on everyone except Georg. He was thinking how best to tell them they weren't going home.
When the bus stopped, Rosa got off with them. They had another opportunity to thank her. Her last words were. "I wish you safe travel."
"Thank you, Rosa; you've been a most gracious host."
Rosa returned to the bus and Georg walked away thinking, she knows we're not going home.
Maria had walked on ahead; Gretl had an urgent need. They hurried to their room. Liesl walked beside her father.
"Father, why do I sense you need to tell us something?"
"Liesl, you're very perceptive. Your future husband is going to have a difficult time ever surprising you with something special."
Liesl laughed. "I suppose you want to tell all of us at the same time."
He didn't say yes or no, instead it was. "Let's go find everyone."
They found the others still talking about being in the presence of the Pope. Georg was remembering something from the Pope's words. The little sitting area in the largest room didn't have seats for everyone. Isabel sat in one chair, Katia and Maria had the others; the children and even Max were on the floor.
Georg was on the floor as well. "Children, did you hear the Pope tell us we need to pray for all people to be able to live free; not to be told they can't worship God their way or having a leader who thinks he is god."
"Why is that important to us Father?"
"Brigitta, it's important to us because there is a man who rules Germany who thinks that way. And he's soon going to make Austria a part of Germany. He would expect all of us to follow his rules."
The light went off in Liesl's mind. "If they take over Austria, you would have to obey their orders."
"Yes Liesl, they would want me to serve in their navy. It's been on my mind ever since Hitler gained power; I was warned it's for real. Children were not going home. In two hours we will board a train for Paris. Once again we will be traveling all night.
"We'll be able to see some sights in Paris before we board another train that will take us to the coast. A ferry boat will take us across the English Channel where we will wait for a cruise ship to take us to America.
"Father, part of me is excited but I'm also sad for the people who must stay in Austria."
"Everyone feels that way, Friedrich. Now we need to go down and have dinner. Try not to be sad or worried. We will be safe."
The children began to discuss all the things Georg had told them they would do. It provided for pleasant faces. After enjoying another delicious Italian meal, they were ready to leave. Max had called for two taxis to take them to the train station.
A/N: My inspiration for this chapter came from a couple of places. First, was from Maria's book. After they won the Salzburg Festival, they toured Europe, including a trip to Rome.
She wrote; music is the international language which speaks from heart to heart and it doesn't matter the language.
She went on to write and I quote her quote. "God is so good. And He is so good to all of us! Let us forget all quarreling in the world and be happy together. Let us love one another as He loves us!"
Music – what a powerful instrument, what a mighty weapon.
And many of you may remember the song, I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing, and how it was filmed with a multicultural group of young people demonstrating global unity by showing bottles of Coke labelled in a variety of languages.
And just recently I listened to A Celebration of Peace Through Music which was music conducted by a Jewish conductor for the canonization of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II by Pope Francis in April, 2014. It was performed as the narrator told stories of how the two Popes being canonized had reached out to people of all religions during their lives. And now we see Pope Francis is doing the same.