Date: October 23, 2025
It was during a budget meeting that Dr. Marty Burnett shared a lovely idea—that the Seminary might invite guest conductors to work with the Church Music Program and the Choir, opening for us new windows into the breadth and beauty of Anglican music. Earlier this week, at the Faculty Life Committee meeting, Dr. Robert Heaney invited those present to recall a moment when they had sensed the love of God. In that spirit, Dr. Burnett spoke of the blessing we had already received through the presence of our guest conductor in our midst.
The Wednesday Eucharist was, indeed, a joy. We were privileged to welcome the Rev. Yuri Rodriguez as our guest conductor. She has been closely involved in the creation of Cancionero, a new songbook being produced by the Episcopal Church’s Office of Latino Ministries. Mother Yuri, a native of Costa Rica, is a singer, artist, and educator who brings the rhythms and warmth of Latin American music and culture into sacred expression. She serves as the Associate Chaplain for Multicultural Ministry and Leadership at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Chapel at Vanderbilt University.
For me, the highlight of the week came on Tuesday with the two anthems sung by the Choir. As their voices lifted in harmony, I felt the stirring of grace—the kind of moment when beauty itself becomes a prayer. It was, quite simply, sublime.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary.