I recently had the privilege of singing Schubert’s Ave Maria at my nephew’s wedding, at the Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. It was a beautiful and moving service in a number of ways, one of which was the wholehearted participation in the Mass by the many young men. From the start it seemed that they all had a strong bond and some history together. But it also felt like something beyond the normal post-college camaraderie – a certain shared unity, strength and commitment.  As an example, at one point during the prayer of consecration I noticed the man next to me raising his hands in quiet praise. Then a few moments later it all came into focus when he reached over to take my hand as the Lord’s Prayer began.  As I looked around all of them were joining hands as well.