Director of Liturgical Music Manfred Dreilich composed a Mass setting in honor of St. Gaspar, which was used for the first time for the celebration of the Solemnity of St.Gaspar at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Melbourne Beach, Florida.

Immaculate Conception is served by Fr. Ben Berinti, C.PP.S., and Fr. Raymond Kaele, C.PP.S., assisted by Fr. Frankline Rayappa, C.PP.S., and Fr. Tim Knepper, C.PP.S. Fr. Ben says, “It was wonderful of Manfred to write and then dedicate these new compositions in honor of St. Gaspar and our congregation.”

Manfred has been serving at Immaculate Conception for six years, celebrating the founder of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood each year. “To be honest, I when I first arrived at ICC, I did not know much about St. Gaspar,” he says. “I quickly learned about the amazing things he accomplished in his life. Besides helping the poor, I especially was moved how he inspired people to turn their entire lives around and his mission to evangelize.

“I was inspired this year to compose a Mass Setting for the celebration of his feast day, titled Mass of St. Gaspar del Bufalo. I had the joy of completing the Mass Setting just in time for the celebration! “Perhaps in time the music might resonate not only in our congregation’s voices, but in others … and may St. Gaspar live on in song!”

 Manfred has graciously offered to share his Mass setting with the community. If you’re interested in obtaining the charts with melody and chords for the entire Mass, please email mdreilich@icparishmb.org.