“It was exhilarating!” was how one participant described the Gabriola Ecumenical Society’s first event of their 2017-2018 season.
On Sunday, September 10, 2017 at the Netloft, Leah Hokanson presented Invocations: A Community Chanting.
Leah brought us her enthusiasm and sense of fun so we all got to to share in joyful response to her musical creations from the ecstatic texts by Rumi, Hafiz, Walt Whitman, Hildegard of Bingen, Julian of Norwich and others.
Between pieces 
Leah shared stories from her travels to Europe and the workshops she attended that inspired this creative process – including a chance encounter of a close view of Pope Francis!
This led to a chant of the Franciscan motto: pax et bonus, peace and goodness. As well, a visit to a cemetery to find the graves of great grandparents inspired a song that was heartfelt and moving.
Over forty people enjoyed this wonderful experience. A great start to our new year theme: “Lifting our Spirit – Living in Ceremony”. Chanting can be thought of as solemn, but Leah brought something to the group that was harmonious, unifying and mystical which truly did Lift our Spirits!
For anyone interested, Leah is sending out weekly chants for us to begin our days with joy and open heart.