The following is a reprint of Volume 2, Issue 12, November-December, 1999 of the Deliverance Newsletter.

The Angels Keep Singing

Throughout the Holiday Season we are especially delighted to hear the beautiful voices of children. As they sing, a spirit of peace, joy and friendship fills the air. The Little Angels of Holy Angels School are among the many children's choirs spreading the Holiday Spirit throughout the Chicago area. During this season the Little Angels can be heard by shoppers at the Merchandise Mart, by Treasure Hunters at the Art Institute and by he sick and elderly who are in special need of love and comfort.

The Little Angels Choir began in 1964 when they made their first television appearance on CBS. For this program and two consecutive programs, the children received three Local Emmys.

Throughout these many years, the children lave continued delighting audiences.  In 1973 the children were privileged to sing the National anthem a Super Bowl VII in Los Angeles, California. At that time Pete Rozelle, the NFL Commissioner wrote: The reports aren't all in yet, but I think the 'Little Angels' won the game. During the game, the children were privileged  to meet the astronauts. To the children, meeting the astronauts was much more exciting than the game itself.

Mahalia Jackson made on of her last appearances with the Little Angels. She loved children. Mahalia's health was failing. However, the concert with the children renewed her spirit as together they lifted their voices to announce the Gospel Message through music. 

There have been many exciting moments in the life of the Little Angels. These were great times when the Little Angels were visited by guests such as, Sammy Davis, Jr.; Eartha Kitt; Mohammed Ali and Walter Payton. 

The Little Angels have entertained at many joyful celebrations. They have also brought comfort to others at times of loss and sadness. They sang in the Cathedral at the Wake of Cardinal John Patrick Cody. As the children sang, there was a touch of quiet peace and joy. May the angels lead thee into paradise to be taking place before our eyes.

Presently, there are forty students in the Little Angels program from grades one through eight. The children must meet certain requirements to participate in the group. They must first of all have a singing voice and enjoy singing; must be a good, diligent student; must be self-disciplined and must attend rehearsals and scheduled programs. They are under the direction of Sister Lorraine Quella and Mr. James Davis.

As long as the children lift their voices in song, dreams will be fulfilled; hope will carry a message of love; joy will gladden the hearts of those who sorrow; tomorrow will bring a world of peace of understanding.

Sister Lorraine Quella, OSF

Note: Sister Lorraine Quella, a Sister of St. Francis, has been a kindergarten teacher at Holy Angels School for over 50 years and she has influenced the lives and talents of generations of our children.  Many of us have fond memories of not only having seen the "Little Angels" perform, but  of having been "Little Angels" ourselves as students of Holy Angels School. Deliverance takes this opportunity to express deep gratitude to Sr. Lorraine for the many gifts that she continues to give to the community, and the talent and pride that she has fostered in us and now fosters in our children.

Holy angels Church, An African American Catholic Church.