Marching to the “Basilica Beat”

The Christmas Season 2024 brought a unique and heartwarming gift to the Basilica Parish of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn. 

As the parish sought to deepen the impact of the Gospel message, several new and revived traditions were introduced, enriching the liturgical experience for the congregation.

One of the most memorable initiatives was the live enactment of Gospel events during the proclamation of the Gospels. Organized by our dedicated pastor, Father Bob Wojtek, C.Ss.R., in collaboration with various parish groups, these reenactments brought the Scriptures to life in an engaging and visually compelling manner, allowing parishioners to connect more deeply with the Word of God. 

Another inspiring addition to the liturgy came during the Offertory at Christmas Mass. As the choir sang the beloved carol, The Little Drummer Boy, two young boy altar servers, using tin-can drums crafted by their fathers to simulate authentic drum sounds, solemnly marched around the church. Upon reaching the nativity scene, they reverently placed their homemade drums among the shepherds, symbolizing their humble yet heartfelt homage to the Christ Child. This touching gesture captivated the attention of other altar servers, boys and girls, who eagerly expressed interest in participating in similar enactments in the future.

Recognizing this enthusiasm, the parish liturgical leadership took the opportunity to nurture this newfound interest. They acquired five child-sized drums and began organizing a small drum corps. Fathers Norman Bennett, C.Ss.R., and Manny Rodríguez, C.Ss.R., drawing from their seminary experiences in North East, Pennsylvania, over 60 years ago, generously volunteered to instruct the children in various drumming rhythms and techniques. 

The enrolled drum corps, now boasting eighteen young members, boy and girl altar servers, soon caught the attention of the Knights of Columbus, who annually organize the one-mile Independence Day Parade down Fifth Avenue. Impressed by the initiative, the Knights invited the drum corps to participate in this prestigious event. The prospect of marching in the parade ignited enthusiasm among the children and their parents, who have since dedicated themselves to preparing for this milestone event, which is scheduled for Sunday, June 29th. The community has rallied in support of this endeavor, and generous donors have funded uniforms and additional drums. 

One of the group’s weaknesses is its inability to synchronize marching while playing the drums. But that’s no problem. Under the diligent guidance of Brother A.J., who serves as their “drill captain,” their precision and discipline are assured. 

This initiative has also evoked nostalgic memories among longtime parishioners, recalling the days when Brooklyn annually celebrated the first Mass of priestly ordination for newly ordained Redemptorist priests. These occasions featured half-hour processions from the rectory on 59th Street to the Basilica’s Fifth Avenue entrance, with practically all the parish organizations and a drum and bugle corps leading the way. As vocations declined, these jubilant parades, including the drum corps, gradually disappeared, leaving a void in the parish’s celebratory traditions. The emergence of the children’s drum corps serves as a beautiful revival of that legacy, rekindling the spirit of past generations. 
Additionally, several parents have fondly reminisced about their childhood experiences in Mexico, when they participated in parish-organized parades as members of marching bands, drum corps, or cultural dance troupes. The excitement surrounding the new drum corps resonates deeply with them, bringing a sense of cultural continuity and shared heritage. 

As the drum corps prepares for its debut, it remains nameless. We invite the parish community and beyond to contribute creative suggestions for a fitting and inspiring name.

Following the parade on June 29, 2025, we look forward to sharing this joyful chapter in our parish’s history with the broader community. An article with photos of the drum corps’ first official performance will be submitted to different social media, thus capturing the significance of this 2024 Christmas gift to our beloved Basilica Parish and another anniversary of the Independence of the United States