Perpetual Succour Convent High School, Navelim, will be staging an operetta ‘The Ship that Sailed to Save Souls – St. Francis Xavier, Proclaimer of the Good News’ that will celebrates the gift of life, the spiritual past and man’s faith to commemorate the Exposition of Goa’s very own Goencho Saib this year.
The operetta will be staged on August 23 at 3.30 pm at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao and will showcase the talent of over 1500 students through song, dance and a theatrical performance. With the sole aim to bring to life the inspiring story of the life of Saint Francis Xavier, showcasing his missionary work, dedication to teach value based living and firm devotion to the Unseen Hand that orchestrates man’s life.
The concept of staging the life of Goencho Saib, came from the visionary mind of the Headmistress, Sr Liberata Fernandes. She thought it apt to showcase the great saint’s life, it being the year of Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier. Sr Liberata says, “Life is beautiful and filled with happy moments, but it can also be challenging. Sometimes we’re forced to go through unbearable situations. In those difficult times, faith is our only salvation. I chose the theme keeping in mind the year of exposition and the need of the hour – faith formation for all ages. People from all over the world will be stepping on Goan soil to pay homage to a saint who stood for humility and great piety, suffering if it brings salvation to mankind and kindness to the marginalised, impoverished and neglected segments of society. I am honoured to be the producer of a musical where every teacher and student has put in their very best, displaying talent and passion.”
Director of the operetta, George Gonsalves, is a renowned composer, singer and tiatrist. Having played the role of St Francis Xavier 25 years ago left him nostalgic as he brought his experiences, knowledge and emotions on the stage as he trained the actors to feel love, pain, sorrow and doubt.
Reyhan Dias plays the lead role as St Francis Xavier and according to him stepping into the saints shoes was a learning experience, “As I portrayed St Francis Xavier, I felt a deep sense of reverence and humility. I was transported to an era of unwavering faith and passion, where love and devotion transcended boundaries. I became a vessel for his spirit, feeling the weight of his legacy. His conviction and compassion resonated within me, reminding me that small acts of kindness can have a profound impact. His story is a call to action, inspiring us to embrace our purpose and live a life of passion and service.”
Kiana Fortes, plays the good girl ‘Mia’, “Playing the role of ‘Mia’ has really been an eye opening and educative experience. I learnt a lot about St Francis Xavier, right from his birth to his childhood as well as his death and his living legacy even after death. His life never ceases to amaze me; such humility, piety and unwavering faith in the presence of our living God. I kind of feel compelled to alter my little self-centered world and become more selfless.”
Rebellious Faith, played by Lyra Emma Cabral, is a relatable character especially for the young of this generation, “Especially in us, the Gen Z, we appear to be constantly at the cross roads of doubt, materialism vs faith and selflessness. My character unfolds as a fun loving teen who can still evolve into being a follower of Christ.”
The preparation of the musical operetta on the life of St Francis Xavier was a learning experience for the students. Lyra adds, “It provided all of us who took part with some message that we could learn from St Francis Xavier. It helped us deepen our faith in God. We would have practices every day for about a month where it was fun and yet stressful as we had to learn our lines and songs by heart. Allowing our personality to metamorphosise into roles that were far removed from our actual self, was a daunting yet learning task.”
Auxillary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, Fr Simião Purificação Fernandes will be attending the operetta along with Shailesh R Sinai Zingde, director of Education, Porvorim and Sr Berna Rodrigues, Superior General of the Congregation of Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, Sancoale.
