Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 24: The artist jubilee in honour of St Cecilia, the heavenly patroness of singers and musicians, was celebrated with great joy and splendour at St Sebastian Church, Bendur, on November 22. The event also marked the celebration of Choir Day, bringing together all artists of the parish—singers, musicians, dancers, actors, composers, and performers—to thank God for their gifts and to honour their service to the Church. The celebration began with a solemn thanksgiving mass at 5 PM, presided over by Fr Walter D’Souza, vicar. The liturgy and choir were beautifully led by the talented artists of the parish.
In his meaningful homily, Fr Walter reflected on St Cecilia's deep faith and her devotion to the Lord through music. He encouraged all artists to use their God-given talents for the glory of God and the spiritual upliftment of the community.
The evening celebration commenced at 6.30 PM in the Platinum Jubilee Hall. The dignitaries and honourees were escorted in a grand procession by the St Sebastian Church Brass Band, setting a vibrant tone for the event. A heartfelt prayer song by Asha and team invoked God’s blessings on all present. Vinod D’Souza, vice president of the parish pastoral council, delivered a warm and gracious welcome address.
The celebration was beautifully initiated with the symbolic lighting of the lamp. Fr Walter D’Souza, vicar, together with assistant priests — Fr Vivek Pinto, Fr Ozmond D’Souza, and Fr Arun Lobo, Vinod D’Souza, vice president, Patsy Britto, secretary, and Deepak D’Souza, all-commission convenor, representing the leadership of the parish. Adding to the honour were the senior-most honourees of the evening, Jossy Rego and Carmelita Alvares, and representatives from the vibrant parish choirs and church band, symbolizing the unity of voices, instruments, and performers coming together to celebrate the gift of art bestowed upon the community.
A special moment of the evening was the felicitation of senior artists of the parish—those who have faithfully served through music, acting, poetry, compering, direction, and artistic leadership.
The honoured artists included: Rita Fernandes, Jossy Rego, Shinead Fernandes, Leslie Rego, Carmelita Alvares, Joswin Pinto, Christopher Mascarenhas, Mary Lobo, Emmie Pinto, Goldwin D’Souza, Anna D'Souza, Bannu Fernandes, Vincent Correa, Gerard Towers, Deepak D’Souza, Eddie Sequeira, and John Baptist Archiebold.
A heartfelt recognition was given to vicar Fr Walter D’Souza, who was honoured for his remarkable musical gifts—writing, composing, and lending his voice to original songs that have enriched the parish celebrations and spiritual life. The parishioners also expressed gratitude by honouring vice president Vinod D’Souza for his dedicated service, leadership, and wholehearted support to all parish activities.
In his message, Fr Walter congratulated all the artists and thanked every individual who contributed to the celebration. He reminded the gathering that art is a divine expression and artists are instruments of God’s joy and grace. He later joined the priests in presenting a special song composed by himself, which was warmly appreciated by the audience.
The cultural extravaganza that followed was a joyful showcase of Bendur’s artistic gifts—filled with song, dance, music, humour, and creativity. The Children’s Choir set a joyful tone, followed by a series of captivating songs by parish artists including Louiz Vas, Shinnel, Eyan, Denis, Salomi, and the harmonious Konkani Choir group, lively dances by Shawn and CAL members, comedy by Eddie and Loy. The cultural evening concluded with a live musical band by Joswin and team, featuring soulful performances by Asha, Kiran, Sasha, Leslie, Joswin, Ashwin and team creating an unforgettable and joy-filled musical celebration.
Patsy Britto, parish secretary, proposed the vote of thanks, appreciating all organizers, artists, sponsors, volunteers, and parishioners for their generous support. The program was smoothly and humorously compered by Loy Rego, keeping the audience engaged throughout the evening Fr Vivek Pinto gave the blessing over the meal, after which everyone enjoyed the delicious dinner prepared by the artists themselves—a true expression of fellowship and creativity.
The celebration concluded with a joyful baila dance, where parishioners of all ages joined in, making the evening a memorable tribute to unity, talent, and parish spirit.