A Catholic children's choir in Brevard County is about to embark on the trip of a lifetime; they will soon head overseas to sing for Pope Francis, right on the heels of his visit to the United States.
They may just be third- through eighth-graders, but their voices are angelic as seasoned pros, and the Divine Mercy Children's Choir of Merritt Island is singing to the heavens.
They're part of the Children's Rome Choir, which is about to head to one of the holiest places on Earth on a pilgrimage to Rome.
Elizabeth Moore, director of the Divine Mercy choir, said they heard about a national traveling children's choir and submitted an application. The rest is history.
"Once we committed, the children have been gung-ho with rehearsals, and fundraising, and I'm really proud of all of them," said Moore.
She's also proud this group will be singing for the pope, himself, at St. Peter's Basilica on Jan. 6, 2016, a performance that's even more exciting now that the pontiff has made his first visit to the U.S.
"We've been talking about his message of mercy and compassion," Moore said.
So, how do the singers feel?
"A little nervous, of course," eighth-grader Lucas Mueller admitted, but added he and his sister, sixth-grader Andrea, were beyond excited for this trip and to sing before His Holiness.
"Since we are going to be singing for the pope, it's very spiritual, in a sense we can get up close to God," Andrea said.
"It's going to be a life-changing event, I feel," Lucas said. "I have never been to Rome, and I don't think I'll ever go back after this."
With the support of their parents and their church, these youngsters will use their voices to spread their religion's message of peace and hope, note by note.
The choir's visit also includes three other concerts during the Children's Festival for the Epiphany, which begins Jan. 1.