Shreveport Cantor Finds Success

BY CATHERINE FRASER, SAINT JOSEPH CHURCH PARISHONER

EVERY NOW AND THEN we hear an inspiring story about an individual who has triumphed over a difficulty in their life and gone on to achieve success. Donnovan Roe, the cantor for St. John Berchman’s Cathedral in Shreveport, is such a person. He struggled with a physical disability when he was very young. “I actually grew up with a severe stutter,” Donnovan says,“and I endured a good amount of ribbing for it.” The taunts and jokes at his expense also affected his self confidence. Donnovan has been blessed with a beautiful singing voice and loves to sing even when no one is listening. It was important that he maintain a positive attitude and believe in himself and his talent. When Donnovan’s parents learned that the University of Louisiana in Monroe (ULM) had a speech therapy program, they quickly worked to enroll him. Donnovan says one of his earliest memories as a child is working with the therapists at ULM. Their help and guidance were crucial in his efforts to conquer his stutter. As Donnovan continued to work on his stutter, he decided to audition for the lead role in the school Christmas play, (Santa Claus). His mom was afraid he would not be chosen and be devastated as a result, but after auditioning by singing the National Anthem, he won the role. Donnovan’s parents also enrolled him at Our Lady of Fatima Elementary School in Monroe even though he had not been raised Catholic. His experiences at Fatima were an introduction to Catholicism. He learned about the Church, the Mass and Catholic hymns. “As a class, we would rotate the singing of the psalms during Friday Mass. I still remember my first reading, Psalm 32, ‘Lord, forgive the wrong I have done.” Shortly thereafter, Donnovan and his family moved to California, and Donnovan realized his love for singing could lead to bigger things. During his freshman year of high school, he was invited to join the Orange County Chamber Choir, a rare honor for a first year student. He was also introduced to the choir director, Michael Short, who encouraged Donnovan’s love of music and created opportunities for him to travel and sing. When Donnovan and his family returned to the Shreveport area, his mother encouraged him to continue his education, so he enrolled at Centenary College in Shreveport as a music major and became a member of Centenary’s renowned choir. The director of Centenary’s Chamber Choir, Dr. Julia Thorn, recommended him for the Cathedral Choir and he remains there today. Donnovan has also begun to sing at other Catholic churches in the area, including St. Joseph’s Church in Shreveport. To say that the parishioners there are enjoying his voice is an understatement. Following a recent Saturday Mass, the line of parishioners hoping to speak to him stretched all the way to the back of the church. (Donnovan is quick to credit Aaron Wilson, music director of the Cathedral choir, and Tara Heeter of St. Josephs Church for their tireless work to bring music to the parish). The young boy who loved to sing but struggled with a stutter is now sharing God’s word through his voice and we are the lucky beneficiaries of that gift. Thanks be to God.