The Santa Cecilia Choir of the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol presented a concert of sacred music on April 26, at the Rachol Seminary. Themed ‘Dut Mhoje Zayat’ (Be My Disciples), the evening was inspired by the Easter season and the Bible verse: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19). Archbishop-Patriarch Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão graced the occasion as chief guest, with Fr. José (Joe) Adrião Rodrigues and Seby Fernandes attending as guests of honour. The rector of the seminary, Dr. Donato Rodrigues, delivered the welcome address.
The concert comprised of 43 singers and 29 musicians performing on violins, cellos, double basses, flutes, organ, tabla, and manjira. Each piece in the programme was arranged to reflect the historical developments of the Rachol Seminary over time. The choir was conducted by Fr. Mathew Rebello, a music teacher at the seminary.
The programme opened with ‘Lux Iucunda’, a Gregorian chant, followed by Mozart’s ‘Veni Sancte Spiritus’. The choir then offered two beloved Konkani devotional pieces –‘Sant Antoni Bhokta’ and ‘Sam Sebastianv Bhokta’ (a traditional hymn arranged by Fr. Rebello), and ‘Inasa Ixtta Jezuchea’, arranged by Fr. Romeo Monteiro. Fr. Bernardo Cota’s ‘I Will Give You Shepherds’ brought the first half of the concert to a close.
The second half opened with an address by the Archbishop. He said that there has been a shift from “mere audience to gathering of worshipers” during the concert. He also reminded everyone that sacred music is like saying yes to the mystery of God. He added that we all ought to seek God not only in music but also in the quiet melodies of our life.
The music then resumed with Msgr. V. Miserachs Grau’s ‘Cantantibus Organis’ followed by ‘Ogonnit Kaklutichea Deva’, arranged by Fr. Monteiro and César Franck’s ‘Panis Angelicus’. The title piece, ‘Dut Mhoje Zayat’, a melody by Fr. Joseph Rodrigues and arranged by Fr. Rebello stood as the heart of the evening. The night closed with ‘Regina Caeli’ by Fr. Lourdino Barreto, with orchestration by Fr. Monteiro, and ‘Salve Regina’ by Msgr. Renzo Cilia.
