Parish Choir Celebrates Feast of St. Cecilia: New Office Bearers Take Charge Back

Parish Choir Celebrates Feast of St. Cecilia: New Office Bearers Take Charge

The Parish Choir marked the Feast of their patron, St. Cecilia, with a Thanksgiving Mass on November 22, 2024, at 5:30 PM. The liturgy was led by members of the Senior, Youth, and Children’s choirs, with Rev. Fr. Kevin D’souza, Associate Parish Priest, as the celebrant. On a celebratory note, choir members distributed plum cakes to all the devotees who were present for the mass.

The celebrations continued on November 24, 2024, with a gathering at the Parish Meeting Hall. Dignitaries including Rev. Fr. Joseph Martis, Parish Priest; Mrs. Sheela D’souza, PPC Vice President; Mr. Anil Patrao, Coordinator of 21 Commissions and Choir Master; Mrs. Juliana Coelho, Choir President; Mrs. Sunitha Pinto, Choir Secretary and Mrs. Lydia D’costa, Choir Treasurer graced the occasion. 

The event began at 6:15 PM with a prayer song by the Youth Choir. Mrs. Juliana Coelho, outgoing Choir President, welcomed everyone. Mrs. Sunitha Pinto, Secretary of the choir presented the Annual Report and Mrs. Lydia D’costa, Treasure, read out the Annual Financial Accounts of the Choir.

The Parish Priest in his address, praised the choir’s dedication and encouraged them to continue their service. He specifically appreciated the members who at times attend multiple masses in a day and render their service. Choir Master Mr. Anil Patrao commended contributions from members, including Ms. Lynsha Lobo for fostering leadership in the Children’s Choir and Ms. Preemal Serrao for her work in the Youth Choir.

The evening also saw the symbolic handover of leadership to the new office bearers: President Mrs. Lydia D’costa, Secretary Ms. Primal Furtado, and Treasurer Mr. Cyprian D’souza.

A vibrant cultural programme followed. Kian and Kiara with their melodious song lifted the spirit of the audience. One of the youngest members of the choir, Kaelyn D’souza, charmed everyone with her recitation of a Konkani poem, while Cherishma Castelino, with her poetic performance earned enthusiastic applause. Avielle D’souza brought energy to the stage with her Kolata dance.

The Senior Choir presented a delightful Maando, followed by captivating dance performances by Amabel D’cunha and Meghan Menezes. The Children’s Choir entertained the audience with a Konkani song, while Mr. Edward Coelho brought laughter with his humorous jokes. The programme concluded on a high note with a lively group dance by the Senior Choir.

The celebration came to its culmination with a vote of thanks by Mrs. Sunitha Pinto. Rev. Fr. Joseph Martis said the grace before meals. Dinner was followed by a lively baila dance.

Miss Portia Furtado, the MC for the evening, skilfully managed the proceedings and kept the audience engaged throughout. 

The event was attended by approximately 100 members.

Report by: Lynsha Lobo
Pictures: Simon Pereira