In 1915, St. Katharine Drexel, then Mother Katharine Drexel, conducted a series of secret business negotiations to buy the former Southern University campus in New Orleans. Believing that all deserved an education as a means to empowerment and determined to make her vision of a more just and humane society a reality, she bought the property and founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. In 1925, the College of Arts and Sciences was established at Xavier University of Louisiana, supporting her goals to establish a school that would educate those who had been left voiceless due to the sin of racism. As the nation’s only historically Black and Catholic University approaches its historic centennial, a “Celebration in Song” was hosted in the university’s award-winning St. Katharine Drexel Chapel in honor of St. Katharine Drexel’s Feast Day.

Through classical music history, the Feast Day program featured musical performances showcasing the musical journey of Xavier’s legacy, including selections from opera, sacred music, and songs by free composers of color from New Orleans, such as Samuel Snaer, Camille Nickerson, and Charles Lucien Lambert.

“2025 will mark Xavier University’s 100^th anniversary and the 25^th anniversary of St. Katharine’s canonization. On that day, [March 3, 2022,] she was declared a saint,” said University Chaplain Fr. Victor Laroche. “In anticipation of these milestones and to celebrate her feast day, all Xavierites were invited to celebrate St. Katherine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament to classical music history, particularly song and opera, in the greater New Orleans community.”

This performance was the first of "Opera Connects," a new artistic partnership between Xavier University of Louisiana and Loyola University New Orleans’ opera programs. Both universities have made substantial contributions to the distinguished operatic legacy of New Orleans. Performers included current students, alumni, and faculty from both universities.

“The Music Department deserves to be commended for this invitation through the musical legacy of Xavier University. All students, especially music majors, will benefit greatly from attending this concert,” said Laroche.

Featured Performers

• Givonna Joseph, mezzo soprano - Mistress of Ceremonies
• Sakinah A. Davis, soprano
• Taylor White, soprano, C' 2020
• Carol Rausch, piano
• Olga Brockett, piano
• Students of Xavier University and Loyola University Opera Workshops

Opera Connects Committee Members

• Sakinah A. Davis, DMA, Assistant Professor of Voice and Director of Opera Workshop, Xavier University
• Ivan Griffin, Instructor of Voice, Loyola University
• Givonna Joseph, Guest Lecturer of Music History, Loyola University
• Carol Rausch, Director of Opera, Loyola University
• Taylor White, alumni of Xavier University and Loyola University
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Story by Tyana Jackson, Student Contributor

Pictures by Reggie King, student contributor