‘Liturgical Choir Competition has Opened a New Chapter’ – Bishop
Pics: Ganesh Perla
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Jan 24: Angelites Angelore has won the first ever liturgical choir competition conducted by St Francis Xavier Church Choir, Bejai, in the city on Sunday, January 23, at the Lourdes Central School grounds here.
The winners took away Rs 5000 in cash, certificates, and a rolling cup donated by Gratian D'Souza in the name of his daughter, the late Alita D'Souza.
The competition was held in the memory of the late Bennett Pinto and the late Joachim Pereira, the choir masters of Bejai church choir group.
While St Joseph's church choir group, Bajpe, won the first runner up prize, St Cecily's choir group Bejai, was adjudged the second runner up.
The first runner up received a cash prize of Rs 3000, certificates, and a rolling cup instituted by Paradela, USA/Canada. The second runner up got a cash prize of Rs 1000, certificates, and a rolling cup given by Paradela, Mangalore.
"I have never heard of liturgical choir competition before. By conducting this first ever choir competition, the Bejai church choir group has written a new chapter in the history of Mangalore diocese. The efforts of Joel Pereira in conducting this competition must be appreciated by all. In today's materialistic world, where devotion is losing its importance, this type of competitions can be a source of motivation to the faithful to indulge in prayers," opined Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, Bishop of Mangalore.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the valedictory function of the competition. He recollected the services rendered by the choir masters, the late Joachim Pereira, and the late Bennett Pinto, in whose memory this competition is aptly organized. "Choirs are not for entertainment, but they are facilitators of spirituality," he further said.
Fr Victor Machado, parish priest of Bejai church, welcomed the guests. Augustine Rodrigues, vice president, Bejai parish council, was present. Oswald Valento, convenor of the competition, proposed vote of thanks.
Fr Denis D'Sa, administrator, Father Mullers Medical College, Fr Clement Mascarenhas, principal, St Sebastian's PU College, Permannur, and Fr Ronald Serrao, dean, St Joseph's Seminary, Jeppu, were the judges for the competition. They were presented with mementos at the function.
The judges interacted with each of the choir groups, highlighted their positive points, and gave suggestions for improvements if any, soon after each group’s performance. The judges considered skill of liturgical singing, blend, and modulation of voices, apart from rhythmic maturity, expressions, pitch, and quality of singing, clarity of words, as well as general presentation, while evaluating the performances.
Hazel D'Souza introduced the judges, who also happened to be the guests of honour at the function, to the audience during the valedictory function.
Lynette Pereira was the master of ceremony. Harry's century band entertained the audience with their brass band.
Altogether, 13 choir groups participated in the competition.
Results:
First: Angelites, Angelore.
Second: St Joseph's church choir group, Bajpe.
Third: St Cecily's choir group, Bejai.
Special Prize: Children's choir group, Milagres, Mangalore.
Consolation Prizes:
1. Bajal church choir.
2. Rosario Cathedral church choir.
3. St John the Evangelist church choir, Pangala.
Appreciation Prizes:
1. Belthangady church choir.
2. Uppinangady church choir.
3. St Joseph's church choir, Jeppu.
4. Porjollchim Noktiram, Bondel.
5. St Rosary church choir, Kallianpur, Udupi.
6. Bethany Sisters choir, Bendore.