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| Joseph Mazzei Family (The Interior Castle) |
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Nomination:
For promoting the Faith through their musical talents
The Interior Castle
The year was 1963. The Mazzei children were in grade school learning the art of singing as all young Catholics did in those days. Grand grade school choirs were the norm. But where the story varies is that the young brother and sisters didn’t cease singing when the school bell rang. They sang at home as they did their chores and often just to pass the time. Music was in their blood. And it didn’t take long for the general public to realize what a prize they had in these children. In 1965, the young ones were asked to sing at a grade school graduation — their first public performance. And in these early days, the children usually sang a capella — without accompaniment — which awed their listeners even more.
The Mazzei children, Bernadette, Francine, Therese, Loretta and Michael took piano lessons throughout grade school. Michael also took drum lessons; Loretta, organ; and Francine studied electric bass and cello. In fact, the “students” only ceased their music lessons after graduating from college. Then came vocal lessons. Until her marriage, Bernadette, the eldest, sang with the “group” which eventually was named THE INTERIOR CASTLE (after a spiritual classic written by one of their favorite saints, Teresa of Avila). The “choir’s” mother, Edith, replaced Bernadette and soon joined her children in studying voice and classical guitar. She recently ceased guitar lessons after she lost the use of her right eye.
Though the young Italian family often sang religious hymns, their original dream was to become “Pop” singers. They often sang at local functions and at a club called the “Twin Coaches” in Pittsburgh during this period of their career. They also wrote and produced many popular songs in styles ranging from pop, country, etc. in hopes of obtaining a contract with a record company. However, not long after their attempt at breaking into the secular music world, they experienced frustrations stemming from broken promises and deep rejection. But unmistakably, God’s plan was about to unfold. And it was actually through a priest-friend’s invitation to sing at his Christmas Mass where they finally heard God’s call. He invited the Mazzei Family to sing God’s praises, and they gladly accepted the invitation and began singing once a month at liturgies for Mother of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Homewood, Pennsylvania.
Today, THE INTERIOR CASTLE, though great, are exceptionally humble. They prefer to stay in the background. Out of sight. Perhaps they have allowed themselves to become musical recluses — “studio performers” — but they have become extremely comfortable with their mission and their simple way of life. From time to time, they will agree to sing at weddings or special Masses. And they have even been known to sing on national television. But it is in their home-studio that they find the peace which allows them to truly follow their vocations and to “Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord!”
Though none of the Mazzei siblings was called to religious life, the family continues to live “in community” and has adjusted beautifully to being married to their musical careers. They work, clean, prepare meals, eat and pray together. Dr. Joseph and Edith, the parents of the “choir” are only too glad to support their musical ministers. The members of the group have very similar tastes and thus get along very well in-and-out of the studio. They have always been a close-knit family. They support each other in times of trial. They rejoice with each other in times of gladness. The family has certainly experienced its share of turmoil which, from time to time, has caused them to question their choices in life. Critics, for example, have often accused the siblings of taking advantage of their parents’ generosity, suggesting that they should all go out and get “real” jobs. But when all is said and done, the entire Mazzei family honestly feels that they are on a path pointed-out by God.
The singers work full time at their music. Therese and Michael compose the orchestral arrangements for all of their hymns and songs, and Therese is in charge of vocal arranging. All members of the group give input and advice as they prepare to record their music. The family agrees, “Many times what might look really good on paper does not quite sound as good as we’d have liked. So we experiment with different parts and harmonies — and re-record them many times. We don’t stop until we are all satisfied that we’ve achieved just the right sound.” Therese performs most of the “instruments” on the keyboard. Michael also accompanies on some of the songs. But Michael’s “real” gift is his role as sole engineer: recording, editing and mixing everything! Therese and Michael spend most of the day in their professional digital recording studio recording instruments and background parts. The others share in household chores until they’re called to the studio, and everyone stops what they’d been doing to gather for a recording session.
For many years the family have been writing and producing their own compositions. A Classical Rock Mass was one of their earliest achievements. And presently, THE INTERIOR CASTLE is working on their second Christmas recording. They have four other CDs available featuring traditional and contemporary songs and hymns. And they are in the process of releasing a soundtrack recording of the music they performed for the documentary, Bernadette, for which they won a Telly Award. Also included on this recording are hymns from the documentary America’s Shrine to St. Bernadette. Both films air on EWTN and FAMILYLAND CABLE TV.
In September of 2005, THE INTERIOR CASTLE was inducted as Laureates of the international Mother Teresa Awards for promoting the faith through their musical talents. In humility, they requested that their award be presented “quietly” rather than at a public ceremony. It is, however, the hope of the presenters, that this unique award will become a means of introducing THE INTERIOR CASTLE to an entirely new corps of music lovers.
The celestial sounds of THE INTERIOR CASTLE are like none you’ll ever hear. They have worked for many years at perfecting their style — something they can proudly claim as their own. Their dream, like everything else about them, is extremely simple and humble. They hope to become self-supporting so that they may continue their musical ministry. Lord, please grant
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