Under the patronage of St. Cecilia, the choir is directed by Mary Pierrynowski. The members of the choir are ambassadors of their parish. Not only are they part of all parish sacred celebrations and community events, but they also represent the church at special concerts and events. St. Cecilia, martyred around the year 230 in Rome because of her Christian faith, sang to God as she lay dying. She is the patron saint of the St. Mary’s Polish Parish Choir and of church music. It was Father Leo O’Connell who began associating the choir with St. Cecilia. The Choir of St. Mary’s Polish Parish is Cape Breton’s only Polish choir, a “living treasure.” Its repertoire is very extensive and includes hymns that date back hundreds of years. Many visitors to the parish have reported being very moved when hearing the choir sing. The choir’s hymns are carefully chosen for each feast day and time of year. At each Mass there is at least one hymn dedicated to Mary.
