by Stephen Sequeira

Kuwait, Dec 12: To make Christmas celebration more meaningful, Ahmadi Parish organized unique Christmas carol singing competition for all the choir groups, who render service by singing during various language and English Masses.

Six choir groups, St Clare’s choir, Angel’s choir, St Cecilia’s choir, St Antony’s choir, Mary Mata choir and OLMG choir) were the participants.

Fr. John Harry D’Souza, competition organizer, director of All Music in the Vicariate of Kuwait and spiritual director of choir groups in Ahmadi Church welcomed the gathering and board of judges, Adolf Fernandes, Joao Socorro De Melo and Marlinda De Souza.

In his speech Fr Harry said, Christmas carols are based on Christian lyrics and are in relation to nativity. They were introduced into church services by St Francis of Assisi in the 12th century.  “Carol” is a derivative of the French word Caroller, the interpretation of which means dancing around in a circle. Carol and carols, eventually came to mean not only to dance but included music and lyrics - hence Christmas caroling.

The following Choirs won the prizes
1 OLMG Choir – Filipino Choir
2 Angel’s Choir – English Choir
3 St Clare’s Choir – Konkani Choir

The winners were presented with trophies and cash prizes (KD 50, KD 40 and KD 30 accordingly).
Fr Andrew, parish priest, Ahmadi parish) and Fr Micua Alfredo, assistant parish priestwere present at the programme. Ildone L Galves compered and sound assistance was provided by Lancy Rodrigues and Rohan Sequeira.