Media Release
Mangaluru, Jan 18: The St Anthony Ashram, Jeppu, reverberated with melodious hymns on Sunday as choirs from across the Diocese gathered for "Ga Thu Jibe" (Sing, O Tongue), a historic diocesan-level Konkani group singing competition. Organised in honour of St Anthony of Padua on the occasion of the upcoming Feast of the Relic, the event witnessed a display of immense talent and spiritual fervour.
Out of the 21 registered groups, 17 diverse teams participated in the competition. The participants included a vibrant mix of parish choirs, religious institutions, nuns, youth, children, and lay people, all united by their devotion to the ‘Wonder Worker’ of Padua.
Winners After a spirited contest, Cantate Domino, Mangalore bagged the First place. The second place was awarded to Jeppu parish. The third place was secured by St Antony Church, Anthonykatte.
Consolation prizes were awarded to the following ten teams:
• Holy Rosary Cathedral
• Athena College of Nursing
• Abode of Peace (UFS), Deralakatte
• St Antony Church, Fermai
• Chili Pili Choir, Bondel Shrine
• Corpus Christi Choir, Moodbidri
• Bethany Sisters, Mangalore Province
• Rang Tarang, Moodbidri
• St Cecilia’s Choir, Milagres
• Fr Walter Albuquerque Memorial Choir
Bishop’s message
Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, bishop emeritus of Mangalore, graced the occasion and commended the Ashram for this unique initiative. In his address, he emphasized the spiritual significance of sacred music.
"To sing is to glorify God, to proclaim the mighty deeds of the Lord, and to sanctify ourselves," the bishop said. He further advised the participants that their mission does not end with a competition. "It is important to be an active participant in your respective parish choirs and liturgy, rather than just competing for prizes," he added.
Judging and feedback
The competition was adjudicated by an eminent panel of experts comprising Fr Alwyn Sequeira OCD, Joel Pereira, and Sr Maria Clarice A C (Bangalore).
Speaking on behalf of the jury, Fr Alwyn Sequeira verbalised the evaluation, offering constructive feedback on the singing techniques and group performance dynamics to help the choirs improve further.
Fr Maxim Rosario, diocesan estate manager, Dr Sr Lilly Pereira BS provincial superior of Mangalore Province, Fr Uday Fernandes, Milagres were present among the dignitaries.
Organisers
The programme was led by Fr J B Crasta, director of St Anthony Ashram. Fr Praveen Amrith Martis, administrator, served as the programme coordinator, while Fr Nishanth Vivian Rodrigues was the assistant coordinator.
Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes, director of Canara Communication Centre, managed the digital programme design. Fr Maxim D'Souza, along with the executive committee members and volunteers, assisted in the smooth execution of the event. Lanvin D'Souza Peruvai compered the programme.