Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Aug 16: ‘Moriye Krista Maye’ is a hymn that nearly every Konkani-speaking Christian born since the 1980s has grown up hearing. Sung in churches, homes, and community gatherings, it has become part of the shared childhood soundtrack for generations.

Composed in 1974 by Fr Francis Cornelio during his early seminary years at Jeppu seminary in Mangaluru, the hymn quickly became part of the Konkani liturgical tradition—thanks in part to the guidance and efforts of music maestros like Fr Walter Albuquerque and others, who played a key role in helping it reach parishes and households far and wide.

Over the past five decades, the hymn has crossed diocesan and geographic boundaries, adapted into Goan Konkani, and been embraced by Konkani-speaking communities across India and abroad.

“When I first wrote this hymn, I never imagined it would still be sung after 50 years,” says Fr Francis, now parish priest of St Anthony’s Church, Padukone. “It humbles me to know it has become part of the prayer life of so many families. As St Augustine said, ‘He who sings prays twice’. That truth gives me immense joy and motivation to keep composing new liturgical hymns that can help in the faith-building of the laity.”

Fr Francis has composed over 100 Konkani liturgical hymns, many of which are sung regularly in church services. In the late 1990s, he collaborated with noted Konkani musician Melvin Peris under the Sangeeth Ghar banner, releasing nine volumes of devotional music. Their albums include beloved titles such as Ga Tum Jibe, Yeiya Gaya, Horsun Gavyan, Kallza Ulo, Dinvas, Stuthi Gavyam, Swadhik Mog, Tuje Kurpen, and Tujea Templant. Several of these hymns continue to be sung in churches in India and in Gulf countries during Eucharistic celebrations, with music arrangements by Sangeeth Guru Joel Pereira.

Speaking about the current day, Fr Francis said, “I have recently started a YouTube channel with the aim of bringing Konkani liturgical music to the wider Konkani community, especially the technologically savvy youth and Konkani-speaking people living overseas. I see it as a way to reach more people and to continue sharing my gift for proclaiming God’s word through music. These works will continue to be accessible to all through my channel.”

For the golden jubilee of Morye Krista Mai, emerging musicians from Udupi and Mangaluru have come together to create a special anniversary rendition, honouring the hymn’s enduring legacy. The vocals are led by young child singer Elsa Angel Fernandes, accompanied by the Blue Angels Choir, Mangaluru, with music direction by Dolvin Kolalgiri.

The 50th anniversary video is now available on Fr Francis Cornelio’s official YouTube channel: @FrFrancisCornelio.