Honoring Ann Manganaro and Foundation Day

By Jen Staed

Duane Bridges, music director at Nerinx Hall, has been inspired by many Loretto women. After reading Ann Manganaro’s poetry collection, “Give Me a Living Love,” Duane knew he wanted to compose a piece for the Nerinx Hall choir using Ann’s poem “5/77.” That poem in particular allowed Duane to do what he strives to do with music — to engage his students and celebrate the spirit of poetry. This is not his first composition inspired by Loretto women. Duane’s composition “Stargazer” is part of his “Loretto Poet’s Suite.” In 2006, the Nerinx Hall choir performed “Stargazer” at Riverside Church in Harlem, New York City.

As the members of the Nerinx Hall choir rehearsed “5/77,” they were inspired by Ann’s extraordinary life. Senior Lucy Banks, featured soloist in the song’s debut at the Nerinx Centennial in October 2024, commented, “This is my favorite piece of music. Ann’s life in social justice and the poem’s focus on drawing attention to climate change make it a great song to celebrate Nerinx’s mission.” The choir performed the song on a stage in front of Lockwood House, the very same place as the former 590 building that served as the Loretto House of Studies.

Duane and the choir members performed “5/77” again in April at the Nerinx Founders’ Day gathering. Students recognized in the text of the song the celebration of Earth in the line “Praise forever be this fleeting light which lures the universe to enter into Earth’s delight.” This performance introduced students, faculty and guests to a great morning of “The Loretto Spirit: Celebrating 100 Years of Nerinx Hall,” organized by Beth Buchek and Bridget Andrews. After hearing greetings from St. Mary’s Academy and Loretto Academy, Nerinx students made miraculous medal bracelets with Libby Rolfing (class of 1985), learned more about Nerinx Hall history, created snack packs for schools in need and celebrated community through Irish dance and games.