Br. Stefan Andre Waligur, PhD

Br. Stefan Andre Waligur, PhD, is also known as Macushla, an Irish term of endearment meaning “heartbeat of the Beloved”. Living in Ireland for six years and now in the United States, Stefan is a contemplative, musician/composer and leader of new chant and kirtan.

He is an Oblate member of the Benedictine Community called Shantivanam in India and founder of the ecumenical Christian Monastery, Community of Peace in Louisa, VA where they welcome all people in a beautiful sung-prayer for peace everyday three times a day. Br. Stefan is a teacher of Celtic Spirituality and offers retreats around the world.

Br. Stefan earned his PhD in Christian Spirituality from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA.. His PhD dissertation (which is in process of being published) is entitled: ” Howling at the Moon: the Transformative Spirituality of the Irish Lament.” He previously earned a Masters in Music Composition from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA and graduate studies in music and theology in Ireland and Scotland. Br. Stefan also conducted Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring for Boston and Portland’s First Night celebrations.His music for congregational singing is sung by churches and gatherings around the country and abroad.

Br. Stefan Waligur: PhD dissertation (which is in process of being published) is entitled: ” Howling at the Moon: the Transformative Spirituality of the Irish Lament.” Published music: Celtic Kirtan Macushla (2015), Arise My Love (2013), Celtic Mass Songs and Chants (2008), Blessed are the Peacemakers (2006).
http://www.songsofpeace.net/buy-music.html