NJ church members selected to sing for Pope Francis in Papal Choir

HAMILTON, N.J. (WPVI) -- When Pope Francis comes to Philadelphia in a few weeks, he'll be greeted in many different ways - including by a special choir.

Its chosen members are from across the area and they are now into serious rehearsal time.

Their voices are beautiful. So good, in fact, that these 4 members of St. Gregory the Great Church in Hamilton Twp. have been selected to sing in the Papal Choir during the Pope's visit.

Susie Shaddy is a cantor at St. Gregory's.

"I didn't sleep for 3 days. I think this pope really has special gifts and I think it really adds to the excitement of it. We're getting to sing for Pope Francis," said Suzie.

Her husband, John, is the Director of Sacred Music and he, too, is delighted to be singing for the Holy Father.

"I guess it's not so much nervousness as it is a kind of joyous adventure. The rehearsals have been really wonderful. People are very excited," said John.

The 4 singers from St. Gregory's have been rehearsing every Monday night with the full Papal Choir and say the pace is demanding.

The choir is learning 20 songs. Some are in different languages, some have never been heard.

"Particularly excited that we have a couple pieces that were composed especially for the event. So we get to have the honor of premiering those pieces," said choir member, Emily Rhine.

Tenor David Maliakel, a college student, says his brother sang for Pope Benedict when he visited the U.S. in 2008. Now he will sing for the Holy Father.

"It's gonna be just surreal. I can't even imagine. I never sang for anywhere near 2 million people," said David.

The 4 folks from St. Gregory's say they love singing together and with the Papal Choir as a whole. They consider it their mission to make the mass on the Ben Franklin Parkway one the most beautiful ever attended.

"When we're singing we're praying," said Suzie.