The National Association of Pastoral Musicians will honor Brother Howard Hughes, SM, as Pastoral Musician of the Year when it gathers for its national convention in Washington, DC, July 29 – August 2.
In his letter of invitation to Brother Howard Hughes, the President of NPM, J. Michael McMahon, declared, “Board Members agreed unanimously that you have created compositions for the liturgy that are beautiful, delightful and spirited, and that have fostered strong participation by the worshipping assembly as they pray the texts you have set to music.”
The Marianist composer’s first published work was “Mass for Peace” which appeared in

“Peoples Mass Book,” 1964 edition, released by World Library Publications.
As liturgical celebration developed in the English vernacular following the Second Vatican Council, Brother Howard produced a wide range of liturgical compositions published by many Catholic outlets as well as by Presbyterian Church USA, and The United Methodist Hymnal Companion.
At 81 years he is still composing and accepting commissions for special events.
A Marianist Religious for 64 years, he began as a high school teacher of French and director of high school choral groups. He also sang in symphonic choruses in New York and in Baltimore.