The Museum of Christian Art (MoCA), Old Goa, hosted the third edition of its Lenten Music Concert on 15th March 2026 at the historic Church of Santa Monica, drawing a large and appreciative audience for an evening of sacred music and reflection. Rooted in Goa’s rich musical heritage, the concert featured the unique tradition of Lenten motets; devotional compositions that have been an integral part of the region’s spiritual and cultural life for centuries.
The evening featured performances by three distinguished choral groups: the Mae de Deus Church Choir from Saligao, The Youth Saviourites from Loutulim, and the Divine Harmony Choral Ensemble accompanied by The Aria String Quartet. Each ensemble brought its own distinctive style, contributing to a diverse yet cohesive musical experience that resonated deeply with the audience.
The Mae de Deus Church Choir opened the concert with a selection that blended traditional and contemporary sacred music, including “Udkacho Hunvar,” “Panis Angelicus,” and “Shout to the Lord.” Their performance reflected a strong sense of devotion, with harmonies that emphasized the contemplative nature of the Lenten season.
The Youth Saviourites followed with a moving repertoire of Konkani hymns such as “Kaklutsara Deva,” “Kalvarichea Dongrar,” “Tujea Hatant Mhozo Hat,” and “Soglle Tuje Okman.” Their presentation highlighted the vibrancy of youth engagement in liturgical music.
The final performance by the Divine Harmony Choral Ensemble, accompanied by The Aria String Quartet, added a rich instrumental dimension to the evening. Their repertoire included “Our Father,” “Hail Mary,” “Soul of My Saviour,” “Parce Domine,” “Khorench Sangtam Pedru Tuka”, and the evocative “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord.” The inclusion of string quartet enhanced the emotional depth of the performance, creating a powerful atmosphere of prayer and contemplation.