‘Our Lord loves us’
SALISBURY — If anyone should know the depths and the riches to be found in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, it is Father John Eckert, pastor of Sacred Heart Church.
He has shepherded the parishioners and families of Sacred Heart Parish and School for the past eight years, sharing with them the great love the Sacred Heart of Jesus has for humanity.
“The Sacred Heart Series” is Father Eckert’s latest labor of love and the fifth series of reflections he has created with Good Catholic™ (an entity of The Catholic Company®). Writer and editor Peter Gohn joins him again in this series, offering articles to accompany Father Eckert’s video reflections.
In this 15-day series of reflections, the two help the faithful to experience the love of Christ – to hear His loving words – and show them how to practice true devotion to the Sacred Heart in a world that desperately needs it.
The series shares the true story and forgotten details behind the Sacred Heart devotion. It helps the listener discover the lesser-known saints who gave us the Sacred Heart devotion before the 17th-century St. Margaret Mary Alacoque did.
The series also covers the exact promises Jesus made to those who practice this devotion and where the Sacred Heart devotion is hidden in the Gospels. It gives practical ways to learn how to devote oneself to the Sacred Heart.
“We can always learn more about our namesake and Our Lord and His Sacred Heart,” says Father Eckert. “The devotion to the Sacred Heart is more than sentimentality. Our Lord loves us and wants to be a part of absolutely everything in our lives.”
He hopes that listeners will come to understand the great treasure we have in the Sacred Heart and that the devotion is rooted in Scripture and supported by the writings of many saints.
“It’s lovely to have this ability to jump online (and delve deeper into the devotion). It’s like having a retreat at home.”
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter
Order the series
“The Sacred Heart Series” is a go-at-your-own-pace program. The 15 episodes include both video and text for the participant. The series cost is $14.95. Order online at www.goodcatholic.com.
Beautiful music in honor of Our Lady
Tom Savoy leads the seminarians and Daughters of the Virgin Mother at St. Joseph College Seminary. (Photos provided)MOUNT HOLLY — One of Tom Savoy’s last acts of love this side of heaven was the recording and mastering of “Maria Mater Nostra: Music in Honor of Our Lady.”
The late music director or “magister capellae” of St. Joseph College Seminary in Mount Holly produced the album featuring the voices of the St. Joseph College Seminary Schola and the Daughters of the Virgin Mother, whom he so faithfully led in recent years, developing their vocal abilities and knowledge of sacred music.
Savoy completed the recording in August 2022 and began mastering the tracks, finishing production just before his sudden passing on Oct. 24, 2022.
The seminary released the album in February 2023, and access to the tracks is free on streaming services. However, donations may be made to St. Joseph College Seminary’s music program.
The 14 Marian chants selected for the album are inspired by Savoy’s love for Our Lady.
“Tom was devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He loved to pray the Angelus at work and to take a rosary walk with his wife, Deborah,” said Fredrik Akerblom, director of advancement at St. Joseph College Seminary.
Album tracks include “Ave Maria,” “Ave Maris Stella,” “Litany of Loreto,” “Salve Regina,” “Ave Verum Corpus” and “Regina Caeli.” The image chosen for the album cover is known as the “Advocata” and can be found in a small chapel in the Church of Santa Maria del Rosario in Rome.
“Tom loved that image of Mary, our advocate before her Son,” Akerblom noted.
Devout, joyful and fun to be around, Savoy brought more than 50 years of experience in sacred music to his role at St. Joseph College Seminary, having played his first Mass at just 12 years old.
A native of Albany, New York, he spent much of his career in sacred music there until he moved to Charlotte in 2012 and took a music director position at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. He started the Carolina Catholic Chorale and is known for leaving an indelible mark on the music program at St. Joseph College Seminary and in the hearts of the young men in formation there.
The cover for the seminary’s new album features an image of the “Advocata,” which can be found at the Church of Santa Maria del Rosario in Rome“Tom’s desire was that the music program at the seminary would form the men in such a way that when they became priests, they would know what to ask from their musicians and what sacred music to use in their parishes,” Akerblom said.
Explaining Savoy’s broader vision for the program, he added, “Ultimately, Tom wanted us to build a Catholic culture that was not disposable. He was convinced that the sacred music of the Church is eternal, and that the traditional music of the Church, whether it is plainchant or polyphony, is an integral part of the Holy Mass and the liturgical life of the Church. He helped design and establish our program on those convictions.”
Taking the lead as “magister capellae” going forward is Andrew Mahon. Mahon has decades of performing and teaching experience and has served as a director of music and liturgy in the Diocese of St. Cloud, Minnesota, overseeing the liturgical direction for eight parishes. Mahon has also worked as a professional singer all over the world, and lived in the United Kingdom for 12 years, working mostly as a liturgical musician. His area of expertise centers around sacred choral music and chant.
“Our rector, Father Matthew Kauth, and all the members of his team recognize Tom Savoy’s work to make sacred music in the Catholic tradition available to everyone in our diocese,” Akerblom said. “His legacy lives on in our seminarians and priests. We are excited to see Andrew Mahon carry the work forward and ask for everyone’s prayers for all involved in the formation of our future priests.”
— Annie Ferguson
Listen and show your support
Listeners can access the album by searching for “Maria Mater Nostra Music in Honor of Our Lady” or “St. Joseph College Seminary Schola” on their preferred music streaming platform. Help support St. Joseph College Seminary’s music program at www.stjcs.org/donation by selecting “Music Program” in the “My Donation Is For” field. Fredrik Akerblom can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 704-302-6386.