Media Release
Mangalore, Apr 3: The Jesuits of St Aloysius College, Mangalore organized the release of the CD 'My soul magnifies the Lord' a compilation of English hymns and a new Mass collected and harmonized by Fr Walter Albuquerque , nonagenarian Jesuit priest of St Aloysius College, Mangalore.
Fr Clodius Corda (Port Chaplain, Mangalore), Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza (Parish Priest, Pakshikere) and Eric Ozario (Gurkarr, Mandd Sobhann) were the chief guests and Fr Denzil Lobo, Rector, St Aloysius College Institutions presided over the function.
Br Praveen Martis welcomed the gathering and introduced the guests to a large number of participants gathered for the release of the CD. Fr Denzil Lobo, rector, spoke about Fr Walter, how his life has inspired so many in Mangalore, and he spoke about especially his immense contribution to the liturgical music in the Diocese of Mangalore.
He also mentioned that 'Sangitalaya' started by Fr Walter when he was at Fatima Retreat House in his younger days gave an opportunity so many boys, girls, young seminarians and sisters to learn musical instruments.
After releasing the CD Fr Clodius recalled how he was inspired by Fr Walter while he was studying at St Aloysius College, and he intoned some versus of the hymns composed by Fr Walter. He said that the tunes and the lyrics composed by Fr Walter have inspired so many. He appreciated Fr Walter for his humane character and especially for the great contribution he has made to the ‘Sacred Konkanni Music’.
Fr Andrew said that Fr Walter is ‘Music’ personified. He has imparted the knowledge of music to many people without counting the cost. And Anitha Rodrigues, the producer and director of the CD he said is one among them.
Eric Ozario appreciated Fr Walter’s contribution to Konkani liturgical music in a special way. He said that the Konkani association would sponsor the publication by Fr Walter if he comes up with one more CD with Konkani hymns. At the same time Eric expressed his worry about the back seat Konkani is taking when English has been making inroads in the liturgical celebrations in Mangalore. He urged the musicians to give importance to Konkani in daily liturgy.
Anitha Rodrigues of Sol-fa Music Centre was honoured for producing the CD. This CD is available on sale. Please contact: 0824-2449706.