Dr. Nathan Knutson Appointed as the Lucille M. Francesco Chair in Sacred Music

Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior, Rector of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, today announced the creation of the Lucille M. Francesco Chair in Sacred Music and the appointment of Dr. Nathan Knutson as the first holder of the chair.  The chair was recently established by Dr. Jerry Francesco, in honor of his late wife, Lucille M. Francesco.  The Francesco family has long been a beloved benefactors of the seminary.  Mrs. Francesco served as Chair of three highly successful Seminary Gala events, and as a member of the seminary’s development committee.

“Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary is eternally grateful to Dr. Jerry Francesco for this generous gift which will introduce generations of seminarians to sacred music,” said Saint Charles Seminary Rector Bishop Timothy C. Senior. “Lucille and Jerry became dear friends of the Seminary community, because they understood the vital role that the seminary plays in the future of our Church and we continue to remember them and especially Lucille daily in our prayers.”

 “Lucille loved music and the seminary held a special place in her heart,” said Dr. Jerry Francesco. “I am grateful that this opportunity was available to honor her in this way.”

An accomplished organist, Dr. Nathan Knutson is currently the Director of Sacred Music at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. Prior to coming to the seminary in 2017, he was the Cathedral Director of Sacred Music for the Diocese of New Ulm, Minnesota. He holds a Doctorate in Sacred Music from the Graduate Theological Foundation, a Master in Music from Cleveland Institute of Music and a Bachelors in Music from the University of Nebraska.  In 2018, he was the organist for the feast day Mass of St. John Paul II at St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome.

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Editor’s Note: Founded in 1832, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary has been forming men for priestly service in the Catholic Church for more than 180 years.  In August 2018, the seminary reported an overall enrollment of 175 seminarians, the largest enrollment since 2000-2001. Of the 52 new seminarians, 18 are seminarians studying for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. With the generosity of many, these young seminarians are able to successfully transform into the compassionate and loyal priests and inspiring leaders of tomorrow’s Church.  For more information on Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, please call 610-667-3394 or visit www.scs.edu.