To the northeast of the Basilica at Old Goa is the Corinthian style Church of Divine
Providence also known as the St Cajetan’s Church by far the most beautiful
Church in Goa which was built to have architectural similarities with St
Peter’s Basilica in Rome. As you walk into this beautiful church with a dome
shaped roof, you will see a fifty four member choir conducted by Fr Romeo
Monteiro with their cello, violins, viola and clarinets busy practicing and
readying themselves for four back to back performances starting this Sunday.
Titled Bhokti Gayonantlean Niyall, a
meditation through sacred music, this group of talented musicians and singers
led by Fr Jean Cruz Fernandes and Preethi Coutinho are set to present
themselves once again after their grand success last year. The Choir and
Orchestra conducted by Fr Romeo Monteir, Chancellor in the Bishop’s House, will
perform at Church of St Michael, Orlim, on March 11 at 6pm, Church of St
Thomas, Cansaulim on March 13, 2018 at 7pm, at the Church of Divine Providence
(St Cajetan) at Old Goa on March 18, 2018 at 6:30pm and the last performance at
Church of St Bartholomew at Chorao on March 20, 2018 at 7pm.
“The main purpose of our presentations is to help people to
mediate on the mysteries of our faith and get deeper into the treasures
contained in the Word of God with God’s love (Kristacho Mog) as our main focus.
Incidentally, the pastoral theme of this year in our Archdiocese is ‘The love
of Christ urges me on…’ (Kristacho Mog amkam thar dina…). Our program is a
small step towards contemplating the same proposal of the Archdiocese,” says Fr
Romeo.
Fr Romeo Monteiro was earlier posted at Rachol Seminary had a
similar choir at the Salcete based seminary and decided to do something as he
is now posted in North Goa. The choir consisting of two clarinets, three
cellos, two double bass, two flute, four violinists, four violas, eight
sopranos, eight tenors, nine bassist and two solo vocalists will perform the
works of great composers including Bach, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, the
St John’s Passion and even works of Goan composers like Fr Vasco Rego and Fr
Lourdino Barreto.
The programme will begin with ‘Ubi caritas’, ‘Sicut cervus’,
followed by a Goan Lenten Motet ‘Mogachem Ojap’, ‘Greater Love’, ‘ Kristacho
Môg’. The programme will continue with ‘Worthy is the Lamb’ from The Messiah,
‘Dissolve, Oh my heart’, Aria from Johannes Passion BWV 245, ‘Jezus’ mhojea’, a
traditional motet with music by Lourdino Barreto, ‘Prayer’ and to conclude
‘Moga, Moga, khursavoilo’ with lyrics and music by Vasco do Rego which will be
performed by Soloist Jean da Cruz Fernandes .
“These
are my friends, students and many talented musicians of Goa who have
collaborated for this Lenten preparation of scared music to manifest, meditate
and contemplate on the Mysteries of the Catholic Faith as we prepare for the
crucifixion of Jesus and Resurrection at Easter in a few days from now,”
explains Fr Romeo, as the choir takes a short soup break and discuss their
shortfalls and coordination.
