Sanctuary to Release Double CD

Villanova, PA – Sanctuary, a ritual music ensemble based out of Villanova, PA, will release its new CD Sacred Earth, on November 17. The release party for the ensemble’s new double-CD will take place at the Connelly Center, Villanova University, at 7:30. The release party will begin with cocktails and appetizers, followed by a live performance by Sanctuary. The release party is free, but attendees should RSVP by November 10 to 800-834-6250.

The Reverend T. Shawn Tracy, O.S.A., an Augustinian priest who worked at Villanova University for over 30 years, is the founder of Sanctuary. The group, whose music echoes rhythms in Augustinian spirituality, records and performs ritual music for prayer and contemplation. The ensemble has produced three albums of ritual music prior to this release, including: Passion, with chant, hymns and narration of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus; Magnificat, a rich tapestry of contemporary Marian prayer in the tradition of a rosary; and Ancient Light, a celebration of Divine Light through psalms, canticles, and chant.

Sacred Earth celebrates the spirituality of the natural world and the synergetic relationship between humankind, nature and God.

“This is a masterfully produced album,” says Michael Dolan, Director of Communication for the Augustinians of the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova. “Uplifting and haunting at the same time, Sacred Earth captures the joys and sorrows of the earthly journey toward something greater. It is a valuable soundtrack for a spiritual life.”

In a review of Sacred Earth (for Villanova Magazine), E. Connelly wrote “The sound is at times Middle Eastern, in one case vaguely Caribbean, and at points, almost Irish in its lyricism. But the rainforest instruments, interspersed with more traditional fare (the ardent notes of a violin, for example, introduce "I Am Filled") eloquently envision a theme of Earth's innate, God-created divinity, one that is both inclusive and nonproprietary.”

Sacred Earth retails for $24.00 and can be ordered through the Augustinian Press at
www.augustinianpress.org or by contacting Sanctuary: www.sanctuary.villanova.edu or 800-834-6250