DAY 2, April 20
Reflection by Ryan O’Malley ’25
“Exhilarating.” “Eye-opening.” “Sacred.” “Unifying.” It is infrequent that one has the opportunity to attend Easter mass in Lisbon, to immerse in the stunning architecture of an 1850 neoclassical cathedral or to receive communion while the smell of burning incense lingers. It is even more infrequent that one is able to sing during said mass, to gather on high balconies while song echoes off the baroque-styled coved ceilings. Today, however, the BC High choir had the privilege of doing both.
With an early wake up time and a brief 7:30 am breakfast, the group enjoyed a delicious array of eggs, bacon, and other pastries before hurriedly getting ready. Dressed in formal attire (practically disguised as hotel severs) the choir began rehearsal—singing liturgical songs, “Panis Angelicus,” and everyone’s favorite “Coffee” for all passing through the lobby.
After warming up, the group boarded the bus and headed off for St. Nicolau Church, catching glimpses of the historical abundance bursting throughout Baixa: the Monument of the Restorers (restorers of independence), the 1843 “white seas” tiles marking walkways, and the gothic medieval structure of Rossio Train Station.
Once inside St. Nicolau and after a quick fiddling with the organ and repertoire, the 12 o’clock procession began. Full of beautiful resonance, the choir coalesced with the service, enlivening the atmosphere through skillful navigation of music from “Gloria” to “Crucem Tuam” to “Love is Love” with local mass attendees. Despite the language barrier, the warm invitation of all present was overwhelming and students were able to experience something only capable of being described as “magical.”
With the conclusion of mass and each student now carrying bags full of Easter treats courtesy of the priest, the group returned to Lisbon Center where students had the opportunity to split off in groups for lunch. Circling the lower portion of the city, a region marked with rich imagery from the pre earthquake period (1775) to the abolishment of the Portuguese Monarchy in 1910, students ate cuisine ranging from pastel de nata to McDonald’s and fled in and out of gift shops (even buying a new pair of shoes).
After a late lunch, the group began their ascent to the São Jorge Castle, traversing the hilly landscape of Lisbon through elevator lifts, strolls through old shopping centers, and leaps over uneven cobblestone roads. Upon arrival at the 8th century BC fortress, Gilberto guided students through the ancient structure where they—besides temporarily stopping for the astonishing sight of a peacock dance display—observed the Alfama area from the highest walls. In particular, the group got a full view of Panteão Nacional, a Baroque styled national monument housing the tombs of some of Portugal’s most distinguished figures (e.g. Amália Rodrigues).
Slowly descending the 300 foot elevation, the choir returned to the bus and, after a quick stop at the Tower of Belem—built between 1514 and 1519 as a defensive structure against imposing pirates on Portuguese trading posts—headed to dinner. At Ristorante Pizzeria Gelateria, located right on the Tagus River, students enjoyed unlimited drinks, savory pizza, and creamy gelato before a lively (juxtaposition to the night prior) bus ride back to the hotel to prepare for the early morning travel to Sintra.
¡Feliz Páscoa from Portugal!
BC High Concert Choir 