By Nishita D’Mello Daijiworld News Network Canada
Nov 18: Contrary to the chillness of Canadian weather, the warmth of divine spirit started warming-up through divine angelic singing preparing Christians in and around Mississauga area in Canada to the great feast of “Christmas”.
The ‘Knights of Columbus’, a Catholic Association boasting 1.7 million members all over the world, is a Catholic men’s fraternal benefit society, very popular in North America, that was formed to render financial aid and assistance which are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families.
Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.
In order to bring out untapped talents & to spread the sweet fragrance of Christmas joy, the council 12214 of ‘Knights of Columbus’ affiliated to Christ the King church, one of the prominent churches in Mississauga, Canada, organized “Voices for Christ”, a Christmas Carol Singing Competition for the Church Choir groups of Mississauga & Toronto in ‘Christ the King’ Church Hall on 17th November 2006 for the first time.
Twelve renowned choir groups consisting of talented singers from different multicultural backgrounds like Canadian, Italian, Polish, Chinese, Filippino & Indian participated in this historical event.
One of the renowned mayors in the world, the first lady of the city of Mississauga, Madame Hazel McCallion was the chief guest of honor. Eighty five years old Madame Hazel, popularly known as “Hurricane Hazel” for her dynamic leadership qualities, is the longest serving Mayor in Canada. She was first elected as the mayor in the year 1978. Just last week she won the Mayoral election for the 7th consecutive four-year term winning a landslide victory bagging 91% votes.
The programme took off at 7.00 p.m. Roy Almeida, a renowned compere in the city anchored the evening programme who welcomed the full-house gathering followed by a short prayer & read out the list of participating choir groups. They were:
1. ‘Agnus Dei’ – Polish Catholic Church choir.
2. ‘Voices of Praise – Sts.Peter & Paul Church choir
3. ‘Canticle Minstrels – Christ the King Church choir
4. ‘Awake for Jesus’ – St.Mathew Marthoma Church
5. ‘Merry Rejoicers Choir’ – Merciful Redeemer Church choir
6. ‘Youth 4 Jesus’ – Christ the King Church youth choir
7. ‘Joy of the Lord’ – Holy Rosary Church choir
8. ‘Our Lady of Fatima’ – Saviour of the Church choir
9. ‘Merciful Redeemer Church’ – Sunday choir
10. ‘Voices of Distinction’ – Sts. Peter & Paul Church choir
11. ‘Festival Singers’ – Sts. Peter & Paul Church choir
12. ‘Merciful Redeemer Church’ – Saturday choir
As the part of the programme Roy introduced the judges for the event. The honourable judges for the event were: Anil Fernandes (a renowned musician & choir conductor), Lawry Desouza (former Bollywood Film Industry Pianist), Pauline Helferty (a great musician and Music Consultant with Toronto Catholic District School Board), Valencia Pereria (Music Teacher DPCDSB).
The leader of Knights of Columbus Council 12214 ‘Grand Knight’ Wilbur D’Souza delivered the welcome speech. In his speech he said that the sole purpose of “Voices for Christ” is to bring Christ back into Christmas by highlighting Christmas Carols in a competitive environment. He also expressed his joy to see this unique project take off from the drawing board to reality. In a very special way he congratulated Bro. Julian D’Souza, the lead organizer who rallied around a strong Committee of Bros. Peter Leitao, Protus Rasquinha, Savio DeSouza, Gerard D’Penna, Fili Visaya, Diego Tobias, Roy Almeida and Venzil D’Sa.
It was quite visible that every choir had a great preparation for ‘Voices for Christ’ competition, was very eager and enthusiastic to do their best and they all performed very well. The chief guest Madame Hazel in her speech praised the organizers for a very well conducted event and congratulated all the participants on their angelic singing. She wished everyone Merry Christmas!
Bro.Ray Bachard, the Fraternal Advisor of the Knights of Columbus Council lead the audience in singing Christmas Carols, while he played on his accordion triggered a great Christmas joy amongst everyone.
Julian D’Souza, the event Coordinator, proposed the vote of thanks wherein he thanked all the sponsors and all those who had worked behind the scenes.
Before the announcement of the results by Roy Almeida, Mrs. Pauline Helferty, one of the esteemed judges spoke a few words on behalf of the judges. She had all praise for the choirs and she added that the judges did find it very difficult as most of the choirs were excellent singers. She expressed her great joy on the youth singing.
Rev.Fr.Simon DeGale, the dynamic parish priest of Christ the King Church, awarded the prizes to the winners.
The results were as follows:
1st Place – ‘Voices of Distinction’– Sts.Peter & Paul Church choir . (They were awarded a Trophy & a cash reward of $500)
1st Runner Up- ‘Agnus Dei’ – Polish Catholic Church choir. (They were awarded cash reward of $300)
2nd Runner Up- ‘Merciful Redeemer Church’- Saturday choir (They were awarded a cash reward of $200)
All participants were awarded ‘Participation Certificates’.
This historical programme concluded with the National Anthem ‘O Canada!’