Pope Leo XIV had proclaimed Saint Francis of Assisi special jubilee year that will run from January 10, 2026 to January 10, 2027. This is to mark the 800th anniversary of this Middle Ages holy man’s birth in heaven.
By Dido Mukadi *
It goes without saying that Saint Francis’ life sings a melodious simplicity and dedication to the poor that translates a music of peace, brotherhood among men and respect for all creatures. The congruence of his preaching and living continues to speak to the world today.
Celebrating this jubilee in Mongolia, the Italian Cultural Institute in Beijing and the Italian Embassy in Ulaanbaatar, in collaboration with the Catholic Church in Mongolia – Apostolic Prefecture of Ulaanbaatar organized the concert “A sun was born in the world – Music and songs in the name of Saint Francis” that took place in the evening of March 26, 2026 in Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, Ulaanbaatar.
The title chosen for this musical event recalls Dante Alighieri’s famous verse in Paradiso, where the Supreme Poet describes the birth of Francis as the rising of a sun over humanity.
This image inspired the musical program, conceived as a journey through the Middle Ages and the contemporary era, bringing together diverse musical traditions and distant cultures. Through Franciscan lauds, medieval chants, and pieces from the European and Mediterranean traditions, the concert offered a musical journey dedicated to the central themes of the Franciscan message: brotherhood among men, respect for nature, harmony between humanity and creation, and ultimately, peace. In other words, it is the Laudato Si’, this beautiful canticle that reminds us how indebted we are for the care of our common home, our mother earth.
The concert commenced with greetings from cardinal Giorgio Marengo, IMC, prefetto Apostolico di Ulan Bator who welcomed all our guests. This was followed by words from the Italian Ambassador, Giovanna Piccareta, and the Director of the Italian Cultural Institute, Federico Roberto Antonelli. Each of them expressed that this event is part of the celebrations for the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi (1226 – 2026) promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Among the performers we had Valentina Volpe Andreazza, mezzo-soprano expert Singer from Italy, Stefano Salvatori, pianist, composer and conductor from Italy and, the participation of Onon Enkhbat, who accompanied the introductory reading of the Franciscan concert by playing the traditional Mongolian instrument Morin Khuur (The morin huur (or horsehead fiddle) is a musical instrument created by Mongolian herders from the two tail hairs of horses. Mongolians believe that this instrument, imitating the form, shape, and sound of the horse, animates the sounds of the universe).
The program included music from the Laudario di Cortona, songs from the medieval European tradition, and works by composers associated with contemporary musical sensibilities, including Ennio Morricone, Riz Ortolani, and Nicola Piovani, in a dialogue between spirituality, tradition, and modernity.
Each song was introduced by the pianist sounds music and a prayerful reading, explaining the song coming next.
In addition to representatives of local authorities and the diplomatic corps, the event was attended by over one hundred members of the local community passionate about Italian music and culture. The event was concluded with snacks offered in the hall of Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral.
* Father Dido Mukadi, IMC, is parish priest of the Cathedral Saints Peter and Paul, Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia.
