The Goa Capuchins recently released an audio album titled ‘Padre Pio’, which carries 10 Konkani songs on the life of Padre Pio. Each of the songs speaks about the life, works and miracles of the Italian saint.
In the introduction, the superior of Padre Pio Shrine, Moddi, Navelim, Fr Nelson Lobo reveals that after the death of Padre Pio, the chapel at Moddi was the first chapel dedicated to him in the whole of Asia.
The opening song ‘Padre Pio-k Santacho Mann’ by Sonia Shirsat throws light on the canonisation of Padre Pio and healing from various diseases through his intercession. She highlights miracles of Padre Pio, which include the restoring of eyesight after confession. It also carries information about the hospital, ‘Koxttovtoleanchem Ghor’, wherein deep faith and intercession work miracles.
The next song, ‘Padre Pioche Panch Ghave’ by Elvis Mascarenhas speaks about the first saint, St Francis de Assisi, who was blessed with five wounds and the stigmata of Padre Pio. Many would not believe and he was stopped from participating in the Holy Eucharist. The wounds would appear and disappear and when he died, the five wounds no longer existed, the singer concludes.
The songs ‘Padre Pio-k Tersachem Devosanv’ by Cielda Pereira and ‘PadrePio Fatima Saibinicho Mogi’ by Nephie Rod move on similar lines, with focus on the Rosary and devotion towards Mother Mary. The former speaks about the powerful weapon to go to heaven and the latter is a sincere prayer for all those who disregard the Blessed Mother.
Another two solos, ‘Padre Pio Misache Bhettecho Mogi’ by Fr Dominic Alvares and ‘Padre Pio Kumsodoricho Mogi’ by Marcus Vaz, speak about Padre Pio’s attachment towards the Holy Eucharist and his selfless service in the Confessional. Mention about the Last Supper, distribution of Body and Blood by Jesus to his disciples and the importance of Confession are highlighted in both the songs respectively.
One song in the album, ‘Assisicho Sant Francis Xristicho Askari’ by Cajetan de Curtorim, throws light on the ecology and the importance to preserve it for posterity. Reference is also made about Pope Francis’s document on nature. The richness of nature through various forms and loss of ecology due to negligence and indifferent attitude is highlighted.
The concluding two songs – ‘Kapuchin Sonvsta Goiant’ by Lui Fernandes and ‘Padre Pio-chi Kusonk Nasleli Kudd’ by Xavier Gomes – speak about the establishment and growth of Capuchin Fathers in Goa and the incorrupt body of Padre Pio in Italy.
Although all the tracks have been rendered in mere solos, the history and various facts about Padre Pio and the Catholic Church have been made more vivid and memorable through classification of songs. For those who have not read about the life of Padre Pio, this album could serve as a treasure trove with presentation through songs.
Besides good soothing music by Lenoy Gomendes, interludes with the help of violin and flute by Fr Seville enrich the songs in the album. The album has been recorded at Lens Studio.
