Liturgy is the source and summit of Christian life and music
is an indispensable part of the Liturgy. The Committee for Formation in
Liturgical Music, established by His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão in
2018, has been playing a crucial role in providing comprehensive formation to
individuals involved in the apostolate of liturgical music. Recognizing the
importance of music in the Sacred Liturgy, the committee aims to equip
participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to enhance their ministry
in the field of liturgy and music.
The workshop spanned four days, with each day dedicated to
five hours of study. The participants received comprehensive sessions on
Catholic faith, Ecclesiology, Liturgy, Sacraments, singing of Psalms, use of
instruments in Liturgy, techniques of singing, active participation in Liturgy,
Gregorian Chants, the role of the choir, and more. Well qualified personnel
were engaged to impart their knowledge and expertise during the sessions.
Fr Romeo Monteiro, the convenor of the committee, has played
a pivotal role in carrying out this mission. He stated that it is the
Cardinal’s belief that Catholics should receive formation in different aspects
of Christian life; therefore formation in the diocese is carried out through
various ways such as Bible study and catechism. This formation seminar was an
apostolate that was carried out for the choir. Since 2018, they have been
organising courses in different deaneries; Margão, Aldona, Chinchinim,
Benaulim, Verna, Old Goa, Canancona and Quepem deaneries were covered before
the pandemic struck.
In the past pastoral year, courses were conducted in four deaneries
of Goa: Sanguem, Pernem, Siolim, and Mormugão. The Sanguem Deanery, led by Fr
Vital Miranda, saw the participation of 43 individuals at Sanvordem Church. In
the Pernem Deanery, Fr Rolland Lin Fernandes organised the course at Arambol
Church, with 22 individuals completing the programme. Fr Peter Simon
Mascarenhas, dean of Siolim, organised the course at Siolim Church, where 27
individuals participated. Lastly, the Mormugão deanery, led by Fr Kenneth Teles
and Fr Peter Britto, witnessed the complete involvement of 38 individuals at
Sancoale Church.
To celebrate the culmination of the formation course, a
memorable event was held at the grandiose and gilded St Cajetan’s Church in Old
Goa. His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão led a solemn Vespers II of the
Ascension of Our Lord, which was accompanied by the ethereal voices of the
choir that resounded in the church, thanks to its exceptional acoustic quality.
It provided the attendees a truly transcendent experience. “The choir was
wonderful, it gave me goosebumps. I felt as if I were listening to heavenly
music.” stated Ivo Monteiro from Camurlim parish. Following the Eucharistic
celebration, diploma certificates were awarded to those who successfully
completed all the sessions. During the ceremony, the Cardinal congratulated and
encouraged the participants, urging them to apply the knowledge and skills they
acquired throughout the course in their respective parishes. He also emphasised
the importance of Liturgical music, stating, “Liturgical music is part of
the Liturgy and Liturgy for us is very important from the point of view of
faith.”
Fr Joaquim Loiola Pereira, a member of the organising
committee mentioned that the role of the choir is to bridge the gap between
heaven and Earth, offering the congregation a glimpse of the heavenly liturgy
and a truly divine experience. However, it has been observed that secular
standards are being incorporated into church music, deviating from its sacred
purpose. Many choir members are unaware of the norms of the Church and may use
certain instruments or hymns that are either inappropriate for the given
occasion or not approved by the Catholic Church, which can distract the
congregation from the true purpose of the gathering. This is why workshops like
these are extremely vital. “Earlier, choir members did as they pleased,
disregarding the liturgy. I believe this seminar was really beneficial as it
effectively helped them understand the mind of the church and adhere to its
norms which will enable people to partake in the mass with due diligence,” said
Fr Vital Menezes, dean of Sanguem. He also expressed his desire for each and
every parish to opt for these trainings and advised all of the choir members
even the littlest ones to actively participate in these seminars.
Fr Peter Simon stated it was a wonderful experience for him
as the organiser of the trainings in the Siolim deanery. The response that he
got from all of the participants was appreciable and he wishes for many more
people to take part and benefit from these seminars. “Having attended this
training, I am now more confident and aware of what is expected from a church
choir group. I look forward to contributing positively and assisting our parish
priests to make every Eucharist celebration a meaningful one,” mentioned
Manusha Jacques, from Sanvordem parish. These seminars not only bring together
choir members from various parishes, but also offer them a chance to refine
their musical abilities and explore the beauty of liturgical music. Moreover,
it provides valuable catechesis, enabling choir members to deepen their
understanding of the liturgy and its profound interplay with music. They learn
to seamlessly integrate voice and prayer, creating an atmosphere that lifts the
hearts of the faithful and draws them closer to God.
