Perpetual Succour Convent High School, Navelim, emerged winners at CORDE ET VOCE, the Inter-School Konkani Hymn Singing Competition organised by the Liturgy Committee of Loyola High School, Margao, on 29 October 2026. Marina English High School, Verna, secured second place, while Fr. Agnel Multipurpose High School, Verna, finished third.
Held at the school hall, the competition honoured the legacy of the late Fr. Vasco do Rego, S.J., and celebrated his contribution to Konkani sacred music. Sixteen schools participated, presenting a total of 32 hymns composed by the renowned Jesuit priest. Each team was named after an inspiring Jesuit saint.
The programme began with a prayer service led by Ms. Francisca Da Costa, followed by a prayer dance performed by primary school students under the guidance of Ms. Vina Pereira. The dignitaries paid floral tributes to Fr. Vasco do Rego, S.J., before releasing a commemorative booklet titled Fr. Vasco do Rego, S.J.: The Radiator of the Trinitarian Truth. The booklet contains eight articles previously published in the research bulletin SOD:24, republished with the necessary approval of Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr, Porvorim.
Loyola High School Headmaster Fr. Anand D’Souza, S.J., delivered the welcome address, and Ms. Florence Fernandes introduced the judges—Fr. Mathew Rebello, Fr. Myron Sequeira and Ms. Swizel Costa. Personalised mementoes were presented to the judges by the Headmaster, while the guest of honour, Ms. Sigrid Jane da Cunha, received a memento from Fr. Simon Fernandes, S.J. Mr. Elliton Fernandes read the competition rules. Ms. Francesca Rodrigues compered the inaugural programme, while Ms. Luella Fernandes anchored the competition.
The entire staff of Loyola High School was involved in the smooth functioning of the programme and made the competition a grand and successful event.
The participating schools showcased their musical talent and devotion through their renditions of Fr. Vasco’s hymns. Following the competition, the Loyola choir, trained by Mr. Ian Colaco, presented the hymn ‘Bapa, Bapa, Bapa Mhojea’.
During the concluding programme, Fr. Mathew Rebello shared feedback on the performances. Ms. Ingrid Fernandes announced the winners, and the dignitaries distributed trophies and participation certificates. Ms. Yulia Rodrigues compered the valedictory function, while Fr. Elvin Cardoso, S.J., proposed the vote of thanks. The event concluded with the National Anthem.
The competition was coordinated by Ms. Francesca Rodrigues and Mr. Roque Da Costa, with the overall preparations overseen by Fr. Anand D’Souza S.J.
CORDE ET VOCE brought together schools in a celebration of faith, music and Konkani cultural heritage, keeping alive the rich musical legacy of Fr. Vasco do Rego, S.J.
