KofC Knight creates inspirational Catholic sacred music

Minnesota Kof C composer Philip Robert Nelson responds to coronavirus stay-at-home orders by creating six sacred music videos, starting with “Rejoice In The Lord, Always” from Philippians 4:4-8, a song of hope, joy and the peace of God, taking all our concerns and anxieties to God in prayer. In keeping with the Kof C coronavirus pandemic “Leave No Neighbor Behind” initiative action plan to make sure brother Knights, especially elderly and those living alone, are encouraged! Knights have currently lost the traditional sacramental, evangelical and catechetical outreach from their parishes, so composer brother Philip combined song, scripture, and art images (Catholic old school and modern) into YouTube music videos, starting this new endeavor in March of 2020. His APOSTOLATE, and work on his compositions began twenty years ago.

This is brother Philip’s Apostolate. He has composed songs, recorded, produced and created YouTube music videos as an evangelistic and catechetical endeavor to sing “the Word”, song lyrics based on Holy Scripture that Proclaim the Truth in Catholic Song, Mysteries of Faith – in accordance with the Magisterium of Doctrine, Dogma and Sacred Tradition of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

SACRED SONGS………NIHIL OBSTAT: Rev. George Welzbacher, Censor Librorum / Deputatus 1-14-2009

IMPRIMATUR: ✠ Most Rev. John C. Neinstedt, STD,  Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis 1-18-2009

Philippians 4:4-8

Psalm 139:4-12, 1st Corinthians 1:22, 2nd Corinthians 1:22, Galatians 4:6     

John 6:22-69

John 6:22-69

John 19:26-27

Revelation 12:1

In 1999, “In SONG, faith is experienced as joy, love, and confident expectation of the saving intervention of God.”             Pope St. John Paul II’s Letter to Artists

In 2009, Philip’s response to Pope St. John Paul II “New Evangelization” and “Letter to Artists,” was to compose melodies with song lyrics based on Holy Scripture that Proclaim the Truth in Catholic Song, Mysteries of Faith – in accordance with the Magisterium of Doctrine, Dogma and Sacred Tradition of

the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. These sacred songs received:

SACRED SONGS………NIHIL OBSTAT: Rev. George Welzbacher, Censor Librorum / Deputatus 1-14-2009

  IMPRIMATUR: ✠ Most Rev. John C. Neinstedt, STD,  Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis 1-18-2009

In 2019, research from the Pew Survey on “What Americans Know About Religion” reported that nearly 70 percent of Catholics in America think that all we receive in Holy Communion is a symbol of Jesus’Body and Blood, and that the Eucharist is not Jesus actual Body and Blood. For Catholics under the age of 40, only 24 percent believe in the Real Presence. This was Philip’s call to action, to record his Catholic songs on a CD album.

Beginning in March 2020, Philip combined his sacred songs and their scripture references with art images, creating YouTube music videos. These sacred music videos support our Kof C brothers’ opportunities to become spiritual leaders of the domestic church and reach out to the community.

Proclaiming Truth in Catholic SONG

“This music serves us well to meditate in song on the basic wonders of our Faith. You capture that in these songs. They are serene and yet assertive. Thank you for the needed return to basics and in singing these gems, the foundations of our faith in scripture — and your rubric explanations and ‘backing up’ in Catholic Tradition presented in the CD insert is very helpful. Your contribution here is so welcome in getting back to basics and scripture.”                                                                          Associate Director, Priests For Life,  Fr Denis Wilde, OSA, PhD

               “Our dear Lord is pleased with all noble efforts to make Him more known and loved

in the Most Blessed Sacrament. May He bless your work and efforts toward that end. Peace and Blessings to you in Christ.” Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word                                                                                         EWTN Chaplain, Chapel Dean, Postulant Director, Fr. Joseph Mary, MFVA

  “We are very appreciative of you and Cheryl helping us to spread this important message of God’s Divine Mercy. It is needed now more than ever so keep up the good work! Keeping you in prayer as well.”  “Father Joseph” –

                                  Director of the Association of Marian Helpers, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC

“‘The one who sings,’ St. Augustine of Hippo (+430) said, ‘prays twice.’ I would say

that the one who listens to this musical CD, and tries to live out what it teaches, will be inspired to believe in the Eucharistic Lord and His Blessed Mother ‘twice as much’ as before. Each song is Scripture-based and worth learning by heart, for this is truly very sound Catholic teaching in song.”                   Fr. Dennis D. Evenson

Philip Robert Nelson is a 3rd and 4th Degree Knight of Columbus; composer, producer, high school choir director, singer-songwriter, recording, music/video, photo image arts hobbyist; lifelong Catholic church musician, director of music ensembles; having served in CCD, confirmation, religious education teacher, lector, Eucharistic Minister, parish council vice president; and is an outdoorsman, craftsman, husband, father and grandfather.

Philip’s father was a Grand Knight of Columbus and his two older brothers are also Knights of Columbus and very pro-life. Philip’s father was very active in MN BirthRight, especially in counseling young women to keep their babies or place them for adoption.

“Proclaiming Truth in Catholic Song” is a composition of love that will pierce the hearts of all who listen. I appreciated all the melodies that were composed.  Most of all, the lyrics were clear and made sense.  It was refreshing to hear Catholic truths that have faded and been forgotten over time.  In the song, “Mary Queen of Heaven,” it was profound to hear the soloist proclaim,  “God’s anointed, has cast Satan down, cast Satan down.” The piano sounded amazing, and some day I would love to hear this music played by a symphony orchestra.

Dustin W., Colorado,  U.S. ARMY SSG Special Forces. The titles of the songs boldly speak for themselves, preparing the heart for the depth of what is to be sung. You never know what will speak to someone’s heart and the affect that it will have. It can soften someone’s heart to be open to the teachings of the Catholic Church. Very prayerful and powerful teaching. Beautiful singing rooted in truth.

Amber D., Minnesota, Archbishop Harry J Flynn Catechetical Institute graduate. Each wonderfully crafted song reveals the truth and beauty of our faith. It is a pleasure to be able to listen and grow in my faith through this music.

Dion S., Minnesota, graduate Franciscan University of Steubenville. I personally have found this music to be very inspirational in the scriptural lyrics and of great help in contemplating the truths which they contain. Throughout my opportunities as a Catechist in RCIA, Confirmation, Baptism, Marriage preparation, Director of Respect Life and Social Justice, and Director of Religious Education, there has always been an important place for music that teaches what the Church teaches regarding the themes of Eucharist, the true presence of Jesus’ Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Blessed Sacrament and the role of Mary in scripture and tradition as she works with Christ to bring about salvation in God’s people. In these Hymns, the truth of the Church is teachings are written through-out the lyrics with the words of scripture and the church’s teaching directly from the scriptures. The music is very soothing and makes for excellent meditation as we listen to the profound truths of our faith being shared. I find myself singing along with the choruses of each song. I like it very much!

Mary K., Arizona, I loved the words to all the songs on the album “Proclaiming Truth in Catholic SONG.” I would use the music for meditation, as I listen to each song, and meditate on the words.

Brian D., Minnesota, Catholic Educator. A melodious catechism…this music could only spring from the soul of an inspired Catholic musician and educator.

Theresa D., Florida, I appreciate the excellence of the vocals, piano, composition and lyrics. The vocalist is amazing. I love that the lyrics are mostly scripture and mainly for listening.

Don & Rosemarie L., Pennsylvania, It is so apparent that hard work, time, thought, dedication and true love of God and His Blessed Mother went into the production and composition of the beautiful music and lyrics within the six songs and piano reflection on the CD. We enjoyed listening to the spiritually uplifting, soothing, sacred music that was very inspirational and meditative. The lyrics are a reminder and reinforcement of the divine mystery and profound belief that Transubstantiation is the changing of the bread and wine into the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass; Jesus Christ is truly present in the Holy Eucharist.  The Holy Eucharist is a sacrament that, under the proper dispositions, Catholics are privileged to receive.

John N., Maryland, Truth has a way of elevating prayer and fostering communion with God. These songs proclaim the Truth, and so beautifully brings these characteristics of elevating prayer and communion with God … to life!  The small paragraphs before each of the songs add background, insight, and fullness to the Truth that is being sung about. These are very good for Catechesis and deepens the understanding of our faith as they reference Saints, Doctors of the Church, Dogma, Scripture, and Tradition.