Gerry D’Mello
Daijiworld Media Network, Canada

Toronto, Dec 6: The Goan Konkani choir group ‘Ami Goenkar’ claimed first place and the Mangalurean choir group ‘The Konkan Voices’ gave a stupendous performance in the tenth ‘Voices for Christ’ Choral completion organized by the Knights of Columbus council here in Mississauga.

The Mangalurean singing group ‘The Konkan Voices’ is a very talented, cheerful and enthusiastic group proudly led by Sonia Monteiro and performed for the first time in ‘Voices for Christ’. Most of the singers of this group participate in choir at the Konkani Mass at Sts Martha and Mary Church every second Saturday of the month. They are a great team who bring life for the Mass with their spirit-filled singing. Their mission is to bring the younger generation together and to use their talents for the greater glory of God.

“Welcome to all the participating choirs from our Parishes of Cristo Rei and Ss Salvador do Mundo as well as the choirs from other parishes. This is a beautiful occasion to welcome the Advent Season; the four weeks of preparation for the birthday of the Messiah. This is a time to rejoice for the gift of the redeemer. No wonder this evening, the angels are singing on earth and the archangels are rejoicing. Let us join our voices to theirs!” said Fr Carlos Macatangga, SVD, the dynamic Pastor of Cristo Rei Parish in his message while inaugurating the tenth "Voices for Christ" Christmas Choral event.

"Congratulations to the officers and members of Knights of Columbus, Christ the King Council for organizing and Coordinating this year’s edition of Voices for Christ.I cannot think of a better way to usher in the Advent Season than by singing hymn of praises to the Messiah." he added.

Contrary to the chillness of the winter weather, the warmth of the divine Spirit spread through angelic singing thus preparing Christians in and around Toronto for the joyous feast of Christmas.

In order to spread the light of Christmas joy, Council #12214 of the ‘Knights of Columbus’ affiliated to Cristo Rei Roman Catholic Church, one of the prominent Churches in Ontario, organized ‘Voices for Christ’, an event participated by the various Church Choir groups of Toronto in ‘Cristo Rei’ Church Hall for the tenth time. Acclaimed choir groups consisting of talented singers and musicians from different multicultural backgrounds like Canadian, Portuguese, Indian, British, Italian, Polish, Chinese and Filipino participated in this magnificent event.

The dynamic & dedicated leader of Knights of Columbus Council #12214 and the ‘Grand Knight’ GK Dereyk Rego welcomed the gathering wherein he thanked all the sponsors, Worthy Knights and all those who had worked behind the scenes. He extended a special thanks to the Worthy Chaplain Fr Carlos for his great support groups and that resulted in a tremendous success!

Jason Rodrigues & Jude D’Souza, a couple of the vibrant and talented young personalities of Cristo Rei Parish ably anchored the evening’s programme which took off at 7:15 pm with the national anthem ‘O Canada’. They welcomed the full-house gathering and then read out the list of participating choir groups. They were:

‘Couples for Christ Music Ministry’ – Director : R J Rodrigues
‘The Konkan Voices’ Mangalorean Choir - Director: Sonia Monteiro
‘St.Maximilian Kolbe Youth Choir’ – Directors: Chorek
‘Christ the King Canticle Ministries Choir’ – Director: CKCM
‘St. Jerome’s 10:30 Choir’ – Director: St.Jerome’s Parish Choir
‘Cristo Rei Children’s Choir’ - Director: Lynn Evangelista
‘Prince of Peace Group Choir’ – Director: Tamil Choir from different parts of GTA
‘Grupo Movidos Pelo Espirto Santo’ – Director: Jaime Pereira
‘Divine Voices’ – Director: The Syro Malabar Exachate, Mississauga
‘One Voice’ – Directors: Rod and Lynn Evagelista
‘Goan Choir’ – Director: Ami Goenkar

The fun-filled programme comprised with lots of door and raffle prizes. Children were so thrilled to see meet and receive gifts from Santa.

At the end of the program based on votes by the audience the results were published as follows:

1st Place – “Ami Goenkar” – The Goan Choir

1st Runner Up – “The Couples or Christ”

2nd Runner Up - “The Cristo Rei Children's Choir”