‘MERCY CONCERT’ – Celebrating DIVINITY on the Feast of DIVINE MERCY
Crescendo Children’s Choir celebrated the divine presence of the Risen Christ with the ‘MERCY CONCERT’at 6:30 p.m. on 24th April, at St. Xavier’s Basketball Court, Mapusa. Conceptualised by Fr. (Dr.) Ramiro Luis, Coordinator of the established Crescendo Community Centre for Music; in November 2021, Crescendo Childrens’s Choir was formed. It has been a unique musical journey wherein 67 little voices have been trained in vocals and soft skills under the guidance of Mr. Raj Fernandes D’Pietro, a young and disciplined musician hailing from Anjuna, with an illustrious musical career.
Administrator of St. Xavier’s College, Fr. Antonio Salema welcomed the gathering. He related how various Biblical personages were touched by God’s mercy. He underlined that each of us is called to experience the same mercy received by the thief by the side of Jesus on the cross, Matthew the tax collector, the adulterous woman, and Zaccheus, among others. Fr. Salema appreciated the initiative and the intense preparation behind the programme.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Guest Fr. Savio D’Souza, Director of the Diocesan Youth Centre highlighted the special relationship of Jesus with little children. He drew attention to the great importance of process over performance. He appreciated the communitarian aspect of the concert wherein children experienced individual growth along with valuable skills of teamwork, leadership, initiative, hard work, discipline, concern for each other and co-operation. He commended the wonderful performance.
The basketball court of St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa reverberated with heavenly praises. The children sang 11 hymns in 5 different languages – Latin, Italian, English, Konkani and Hindi. Distinguished guests included Fr. Matthew Rebello, Prof. of Music at Rachol Seminary, cartoonist Alexyz, journalist Alister Miranda. Grandparents, parents of the children, members of the clergy, youth and children turned up in large numbers to support the initiative.
“Our entire journey was one of love and mercy”, noted Fr. Ramiro Luis in his vote of thanks. He praised the 67 children of the choir for their commitment and the long hours of effort. He deeply appreciated the sacrifice of the parents, the efforts of the organising team, the support of his fraternal community, the professionalism of the talented musicians who accompanied the children, the supreme dedication of music director Mr. Raj Fernandes D’Pietro, and all those whose generosity made the event a stupendous success. The instrumentalists included Alex D’Souza on the drums, Velerio Mascarenhas and Janice Parras on the violin, Gary Coutinho and Stalin De Sa and Raj D’ Pietro on the Guitars, Maryjane De Souza on the Keyboard, and Kian Manuel on the tabla.
The core organising team consisted of Ms. Eweny Fernandes, Dr. Marielou Ferrao, Mr. Worrel D’Souza, Ms. Vailarose Fernandes and Dr. Prema Rocha.
A subsequent concert will be held on 4th May at 6:30 p.m. at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa to commemorate 400 years of the canonisation of St. Francis Xavier.The concert is free and open to all.