In Latin, the Messa da Requiem (at one time referred to as the Manzoni Requiem) is a musical setting of the Catholic funeral mass (Requiem) for four soloists, double choir and orchestra. Giuseppe Verdi composed this in memory of the Italian poet, novelist and playright Alessandro Manzoni, whom he admired. The first performance of Verdi's Requiem, at San Marco church in Milan on May 22, 1874 marked the first anniversary of Manzoni's death.

Pascal's wager is a philosophical argument advanced by Blaise Pascal (1623–1662), a notable seventeenth-century French mathematician, philosopher, physicist, and theologian. This argument posits that individuals essentially engage in a life-defining gamble regarding the belief in the existence of God. Dr. Fazzari chose to believe.

Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) is a choral composition in one movement by Samuel Barber, his own arrangement of his Adagio for Strings (1936). In 1967, he set the Latin words of the liturgical Agnus Dei, a part of the Mass, for mixed chorus with optional organ or piano accompaniment. 

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Panis angelicus (Latin for "Bread of Angels" or "Angelic Bread") is the penultimate stanza of the hymn "Sacris solemniis" written by Saint Thomas Aquinas for the feast of Corpus Christi as part of a complete liturgy of the feast, including prayers for the Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours.

As a young man, Dr. Fazzari studied at the novitiate of the Marist Brothers (MA) for two years and then went on to Marist College for two years before changing course to become a doctor. The Marist Brothers are a Roman Catholic community of men who follow the spirituality and charism of St. Marcellin Champagnat in educating and supporting people - especially young people who are marginalized or in need - to develop a sense of community, self-worth and greater faith through Jesus and Mary. There are currently 5,000 brothers in 76 countries throughout the world. Members follow Christ as Mary did, through the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. This religious commitment is lived in community and expressed in service. The mission given by St Marcellin to his followers was to “make Jesus Christ known and loved”. 

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

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- Max Ehrmann ©1927