Father David conducts the choir at Holy Family Passionist Retreat and Conference Center in West Hartford, Connecticut.

As it is for all dedicated followers of Christ, prayer is an important part in the life of Father David Cinquegrani, C.P., who is in St. Paul of the Cross Province. As the Retreat Director for Holy Family Retreat and Conference Center in West Hartford, Connecticut, Father David and his team work together to help their retreatants approach prayer in different ways.

For all Christians, prayer is an important way to grow in faith and build a relationship with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. “Prayer is our way of countering ourselves to listen to God and discover what response can be made to God’s call,” Father David explains.

Holy Family Retreat Center includes a renowned music ministry. Music is also an important part of Father David’s life. He has served the Passionist Congregation as a music educator and choir director.

Father David and the Passionist Community at Holy Family in West Hartford, Connecticut. (Seated, l-r): Jonathan Ramos Torres, C.P.; Brother Terence Skorka, C.P.; Brother Adenald Fleury, C.P.. (Standing, l-r): Samuel Joseph, C.P.; Brother Michael Moran, C.P.; Father Terence Kristofak, C.P.; and Father David Cinquegrani, C.P.

He is a music teacher for St. Thomas the Apostle and St. Timothy Schools in West Hartford. Not surprisingly, music is one of many elements that help Father David with prayer.

“Silence is important for me in prayer, but also music, art, nature, scripture and sacred liturgy,” he shares. “All of these help me to pray.”

Like all Passionists, St. Paul of the Cross has helped Father David build a foundation in prayer.

“St. Paul of the Cross asked us to ‘remain in the presence of God in loving silence,’” says Father David. “That loving silence has been a guiding force in my religious life and my prayer life.”

There are many forms of prayer to guide people to a closer relationship with God. From praying the rosary, to Lectio Divina, to contemplative prayer, there are many different ways to pray.

“It is difficult for me to name a favorite style of prayer, but certainly musical prayer is one that moves my soul to a greater union with God and others,” Father David shares.

Working with retreatants requires Father David and his team to plan the prayer process. “I guide others in prayer by providing the space and the circumstances for prayer,” he explains. “I hope they will find the experience fulfilling and sincere.”

Father David with the Music Ministers at Holy Family Passionist Retreat and Conference Center. Seated, l-r: Virginia Kramer, David Kramer, John Kramer and LoriAnn Ruiz. Standing, l-r: Kelly Costello, Anita Mundy, Jennifer Serpliss and Fr. David Cinquegrani, C.P.

Pope Francis calls Catholics to be Pilgrims of Hope, and prayer is a part of the pilgrimage. “I feel that everything I do is part of my pilgrim journey,” says Father David. “Teaching, preaching, playing music and conversation are all important markers on my daily walk with God.”

The world today for many people is filled with lures for instant gratification. Poor communication can often impede relationships. How can we nurture prayer lives in the midst of all the cacophony?

“Providing spaces of silence, away from news and social media, can help to nurture prayer,” suggests Father David. On a personal note, Father David is thankful for God’s answer to an important prayer when he was young.

“God helped me to discern my vocation many years ago,” he shares. “It was a long process, and it is still unfolding.”