This is big news for I Chjami Aghjalesi, they will sing at the mass celebrated by Pope Francis in Ajacciole on December 15. “Now we can say who is official. We will sing the mass of Pope Francis for his visit to Corsica on December 15. It is a great honor for us, in this historic and unique moment for our people”declared the members of the group on their social networks this Wednesday.
Founded in 1977 in Bastia by high school students from the San Ghjiseppu district, I Chjami Aghjalesi quickly established itself as a reference in Corsican music. Since the 1980s, the group has distinguished itself with albums with strong political commitment, such as Cuntrasti è riccucate and Populu vivu, which harmoniously combine traditional music and activist messages. Today, the group continues to transmit Corsican culture through its songs, with around fifteen members. On the occasion of the papal mass, six members of the group will sing the introitu, this solemn song which marks the entry of the officiants. “It will be a special moment. We are not rehearsing specifically for this event, because we are used to this type of exercise,” explains Petru Santu Guelfucci, one of the members. “All year round, we accompany numerous masses, and with our album Cantu Sacru released in 1991, many have learned sacred songs in Corsica,” he continues.
However, Chjami Aghjalesi will not be the only one to host this historic mass. The bishopric indeed wanted different Corsican groups, brotherhoods and choirs to participate in the service, in order to represent all the musical and spiritual diversity of the island.. “We are very happy and proud to participate in this historic event. It is a great honor to see all Corsican culture represented through groups, brotherhoods and choirs. The tradition of cantu in paghjella is a beautiful symbol, and it “It's a pleasure to know that everything that is done in Corsica will be represented”, adds Petru Santu Guelfucci.
Pope Francis' choice to visit Corsica at the end of the year also has a special meaning for the group: “The fact that the Pope chose Corsica shows that he wants to reach out to the little ones. It thus confirms the importance of our language and our culture, which will take on an international dimension thanks to this event.” highlights Peter Saint. “It highlights our uniqueness, and it’s a source of great pride for us.”
Despite the solemnity of the event, Petru Santu Guelfucci remains serene. “I will go to Ajaccio the day before. I have no pressure, above all I am very happy to participate. The high mass will be a moment of gathering and sharing”, he confides. “I am delighted to be part of this great celebration.”
