Gerry D’Mello, Bendur
Daijiworld media network, Canada

Canada, Nov 20: Canadian Teenagers of Mangalore and Goa origin led by Desiree D’Cunha literally rocked the Canadian stage by bagging the first runner-up in the highly competitive third annual ‘Carol Singing Competition’ professionally organized by the “Knights of Columbus – Christ the King Council # 12214” last Friday night.

Contrary to the chillness of the Canadian weather, the warmth of the divine spirit spread through divine angelic singing thus preparing Christians in and around Mississauga for the joyous feast of “Christmas”.

The ‘Knights of Columbus’, a Catholic Association boasting nearly two million members all over the world, is a Catholic men’s fraternal benefit society that is very popular in North America. It was formed to render financial aid and assistance which are offered to the sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.

In order to bring out untapped talents & to spread the sweet fragrance of Christmas joy, Council 12214 of ‘Knights of Columbus’ affiliated to Christ the King R.C. Church, one of the prominent churches in Mississauga, organized “Voices for Christ”, a Christmas Carol Singing Competition for the Church Choir groups of Mississauga & Toronto in ‘Christ the King’ Church Hall on 14th November 2008 for the third time. Seven acclaimed choir groups consisting of talented singers and musicians from different multicultural backgrounds like Canadian, Indian, British, Italian, Polish, Chinese and Filipino participated in this magnificent event.  

The programme took off at 7.30 p.m.  Patrick Paes, former Grand Knight–Council 12214, a talented musician and renowned compere in the city ably anchored the evening’s programme. He welcomed the full-house gathering followed by Prayer in Song (sung by Odelia Sousa and choir) and the National Anthem ‘O Canada’ was led by Ed Lavor.

The dynamic leader of Knights of Columbus Council 12214 and the incumbent ‘Grand Knight’ Peter Leitao delivered the welcome speech.  In his speech, he said that the sole purpose of “Voices for Christ” is to bring Christ back into Christmas.  Singing carols make the singer happy and more importantly they make the listener smile.  He specially acknowledged Bro.Savio DeSouza who led the organizing committee for the past two years.  He also appreciated the audience and the generous commercial sponsors who provided the valuable support in making Voices of Christ event a grant success.

Compere Patrick Paes then read out the list of participating choir groups. They were:

‘Voices of Distinction’ – Sts. Peter & Paul Church Choir
‘St. Ignatius of Loyola Choir- St. Ignatius of Loyola Church Choir
‘ Agnus Dei’ – St. Maximillian Kolbe Church Choir
‘Merciful Redeemer Choir’- Merciful Redeemer Church Choir
‘Witness’- St. Patrick Church youth Choir
‘St. Francis Xavier Council Family Choir’- St. Francis Xavier Church Choir
‘Youth 4 Jesus’- Christ the King Youth Choir.

As part of the programme, Patrick introduced the judges for the event.  The honourable judges for the event were:

Emily Williams: Emily is a graduate of the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto, where she played the Alto- Saxophone and specialized in Music Education. She obtained her Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University where she studied intermediate/ Senior Instrumental Music and Biology. She is currently a teacher for the Toronto Catholic District School Board and is pursuing further studies at the University of Toronto.

Mark McCallen: Mark attended the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto from 1989- 1994, graduating with an honors degree in music education and a specialist in choral music. He has also directed several choirs since graduating from the University of Toronto. Mark is currently teaching grade 8 at San Lorenza Ruiz elementary school in Mississauga. 

Richard Bernasiewicz: Richard graduated from McMaster University in 1989 with an Hons. B.Sc. in Chemistry and continued his studies at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Education, eventually returning to McMaster University to complete a M.Sc. Teaching degree. He is a proud graduate at St. Michael’s Choir School and has maintained a close relationship with the Schola Cantorum. Richard has been a cantor, chorister, assistant choir director and soloist for 25 years at several churches throughout the G.T.A. Presently, Richard is a science teacher at St. Joseph Secondary School in Mississauga. 

The five criteria used by the judges for allocating points were: Presentation, Harmony, Balance, Vocal production, Choice of songs, Music and vocal Dynamics.  At the request of the participating choirs, this year a slight change was introduced.  And the change was: immediately on completion of the choir’s performance, each of the judges provided a brief verbal feedback on the performance of the choir.  The critical remarks given by the highly professional adjudicators were really amazing, thoroughly enjoyed not only by each and every participant, but also the entire audience.

It was quite visible that every choir had a great preparation for ‘Voices for Christ-2008’ competition, was very eager and enthusiastic to do their best and they all performed very well. 

Soon after the performance by the contestants, the guest choir, Sts. Peter and Paul Prayer Group Choir, led by Bro. Olympio Fernandes enriched and engaged the audience with their spell bound singing of Christmas carols.

David Peters proposed the vote of thanks wherein he thanked all the sponsors and all those who had worked behind the scenes. 

Before the announcement of the results the chief guest Pauline Helferty, one of the renowned musicians in Canada expressed her immense joy for the amazing choirs from various prayer groups.  In a very special way she applauded the wonderful performance by the ‘Youth 4 Jesus’ Youth Choir. 

Prizes were awarded to Logo-Contest Winners Rudy D’souza and Mark Felizardo.

Mark McCallen, one of the esteemed adjudicators spoke a few words on behalf of the judges.  He had all praise for the choirs and added that the judges found it very difficult as all the choirs pulled off an excellent performance. He expressed his great joy on the youth singing as well.

The first lady of Knights of Columbus Council 12214, Maria Leitao honored the Chief Guest with the flower bouquet and she handed over the Letters of Honour to the Adjudicators.  

Mario & Juliana Martins awarded the prizes to the winners.

The results were as follows:

1st Place – ‘Voices of Distinction’– Sts. Peter & Paul Church choir.  (They were awarded a Trophy & a cash reward)                                 

1st Runner Up- ‘Youth 4 Jesus’ – Christ the King Church youth choir (They were awarded a cash reward)

embers of Youth 4Jesus (Canadian Teenagers of Mangalore and Goa origin):

Malaika Felizardo, Nerissa D’Mello, Nicole D’Mello, Suzanne Aranha, Whitney D’Cunha, Krystal Pereira, Napoleon D’Cunha, Kishen Pais, Peter Pereira, Dean Rodrigues, Nishita D’Mello (on keyboard) & Desiree D’Cunha (choir conductor).

2nd Runner Up- ‘Agnus Dei’- St. Maximillian Kolbe Church (They were awarded a cash reward)

All participants were awarded ‘Participation Certificates’.