The young in heart and mind are very important in taking
traditions ahead. The same can be seen especially in churches in Goa as the
Lent season is observed which culminates with Maundy Thursday, Good Friday,
Holy Saturday and finally the day Christians all over the world wait for, the
Resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday.
There is much more that goes on for a service to run
smoothly, right from the pristine and minutely created altar decorations to the
harmonious voices in the choir, liturgical animation and the volunteers, there
are numerous youngsters who come forward to take responsibility as they
understand the importance of the Eucharistic Celebrations.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Pilar Father, Fr Noel Menezes works closely with youngsters
with different programmes and is always encouraging young minds. “The Church is
in the season of Grace and it is a journey undertaken by all. I see the youth,
catechism teachers and children helping around the church. You need many hands
and youngsters and children are seen reading, ushering and in the choir.
Especially during Triduum, the church needs a young force and now many parishes
also have young people joining Confraia too,” says Fr Noel.
He further adds, “I witnessed Lenten motets at Ucassaim this
Lenten season and Fr Savio D’Souza, parish priest of St Elizabeth Church,
Ucassaim, followed the pastoral theme of ‘Go and do likewise’. The 12
parishioners were dressed as the 12 Aposltes and after the priest washed their
feet, they had to go among the parishioners and wash the feet of their spouse.”
Fr Agnel Local House, Pilar, staged a Lenten musical
operetta ‘Kallokant Uzvadd’ at Fr Agnel Central School ground, Pilar. The
operetta was conceptualized by Pilar Fathers, with music composed, arranged and
directed by Fr Peter Cardozo. The lyrics are contributed by Fr Octaviano Cunha
and Fr Dominic Alvares. With a huge LED screen as the backdrop for the stage,
four ‘motets’ were sung by 8 singers and accompanied by 10 musicians.
Fr Peter says, “The operetta saw the participation of many
youngsters especially for acting. There were 30 artists who were students of Fr
Agnel Higher Secondary School, Pilar. The principal announced about the
operetta and the students submitted their names. They were very enthusiastic
and have high hopes to act better in futures concerts and operettas. They would
be present for their rehearsals either at 3 pm or 6 pm with sharp focus. We
explained to them the importance of the operetta and the life of Mary Magdalene
and motivated them. We are also planning for more programmes.” The one and half
hour operetta threw light exclusively on the life of Mary Magdalena.
On April 14, Pilar Music School will present its annual
concert. “The children as young as 12 years will present their musical talent
with choral voices and violin orchestra. The children will also play drums,
trumpets, guitars and keyboards at the Fr Agnel Central School hall, Pilar. On
April 19, Pilar Music Academy will be organising All Goa Singing Competition
from 6pm onwards at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao to encourage young singers,” adds
Fr Peter.
Fr Romeo Monteiro conducted the Concert of Sacred Music with
meditations on the
Mystery of the Incarnation of Our Lord with performances at
Our Lady of Penha de França Church, Penha de França, Our Lady of Succour and
Good Success, Nagoa de Verna and Santa Monica Convent Church, Old Goa. With an
overwhelming response from the audience, Fr Romeo has decided to have another
concert on April 14 at Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, Panjim at 7
pm.
The 45 singers and 22 musicians rendered 12 choral
compositions in 12 languages and different musical traditions and eras. A 13-
member Boy Soprano choir also performed at the concert. “The children and
youngsters gave a great response to the concert. Many of the singers and
musicians even travelled a long distance for the practice and the concerts
which were held during Lent. Many youngsters are also performing Lenten Motets
in their respective churches. These Lenten motets are only found in Goa and
these are revived more recently for the procession of Santos Passos and the
procession for the kissing of the Cross. This year, these motets were sung in
churches in Orlim, Panjim, Ucassaim, Betalbatim and Chinchinim,” says Fr Romeo,
Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. The Lenten motets is often
accompanied by violins, double bass and clarinet.
Over 100 parishioners of Our Lady of Succour and Good
Success Church, Nagoa-Verna presented a stage production ‘Saibinnicheo Sat
Dukhi’ which was scripted by parish priest, Fr Edson Fernandes, professor of
Sacred Scriptures at the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol. The presentation was
directed by Michael Jude Gracias and the participants were in the age group of
12-85 years old. For those who missed ‘Saibinnicheo Sat Dukhi’,
it will be released on YouTube within a few days on the
Nagoa Church channel.
The participants were divided into 14 troupes which were
enacting the seven sorrows as well as seven modern day scenarios. “The
presentation received a great response with over 2000 people in attendance. We
had three weeks of thorough practice and one day priot to the show, we had a
full dress rehearsal with lights and sound. The participants learnt their part
well and it showed on stage. Some parishes have approached us to do the same in
their church with their parishioners,” says Michael Gracias, who is a well
known name in the Tiatr and music community in Goa.
Children and youngsters need the right guidance to lead them
on a better path. Being closer to the church, they take on the responsibility
of not just the liturgy but also the music and administration of their
parishes.
