Choristers of the St. Charles
Borromeo Catholic Church at Oyibi, in the Accra Archdiocese were elated with
the dedication of their new Choir robes at a recent ceremony at the Church.
The Choir under the baton of
Mr. Emmanuel Xorlava Mawuena, Choir Master performed various soul inspiring anthems
and rich medleys of choral songs at a four-hour programme witnessed by many
faithful.
Guest Choirs at the function
were the St. Agnes Choir, Dodowa, St. Peter’s Choir, Ayikuma and the Apostle
Revelation Church Choir from Madina.
Fr. Lawrence Agyapong,
Assistant Priest at St. Agnes Rectorate at Dodowa, who dedicated the robes,
highlighted the relevance of singing ministry in the Church, and entreated the choristers
to dedicate themselves and committed to sing to glorify God.
Narrating the history of the
Choir, Mr. Jeremiah Tembendann, Choir President, said though St. Charles Borromeo
Catholic Church started on March 18th 2007, with the first Mass
being said by Rev. Fr. Charles Ackon, then Priest-in-charge of St. Agnes
Church, Dodowa, it was in October 2007, that the Choir started by singing
familiar tunes and hymns.
He noted that the efforts of two
Nigerian Artisans, Dennis Osiegwe and William Uche Ogbuinya, who first attended
Mass in October, changed the tempo of the music at Mass. Thus under the
leadership of Unche, the Choir held regular rehearsal, which help improved on
their singing at Mass.
However, when Uche and Dennis
left in January 2008, the Choir was orphaned but when Jeremiah Tembendann
joined the community in April 2008, he together with Mr. Sitsofe Gbeza, the
former Choir master of the St. Peter Catholic Church at Ayikuma, occasionally
supported the Choir learn new songs.
“In December 2011, Mr. Bonney
from Queen of Peace Parish, Madina, as official Choir Master, handled the Choir
until January 2014, when for personal reasons he had to excuse himself. Thus,
Mr. Emmanuel Xorlava Mawuena was appointed succeeded to as the Choir Master” he
added.
The Choir President thanked God
for his graces and mercies that sustained the Choir to date, and thanked the
patrons, and all benefactors of the Choir for their support.
In a remark, Mr. Joseph Amuna,
Chairman for the function, said the dedication of the Choir robes was a historic
and significant event in the annals of the Church, adding that like new clothes
sewn and worn with pride, the ceremony was proper.
He said God created music for
man to use for the right purpose, which has a significant place in our worship
of God, noting that music motivates us in trying times, fuels the mind and is a
powerful tool that elicits an emotional response from people listening to it.
The Chairman, who also doubles
as Choir Patron, commended the Choir for their efforts over the years to
enliven the Liturgical celebrations at the Church.
Earlier, Mr. Richard Botsoe,
Vice President of the Choir in a welcome address, noted that the important role
of music in the lives of people, adding that “good music does not only inspire
but also has therapeutic abilities that heal us of the many troubles of this
life”.
He said the role of the Choir
and good singing in liturgical celebrations was vital, since it helps to
animate the faith of individuals, and enlivens the people’s worship to God
Almighty.
*Fr. Agyapong blessing
the Robes with the Choir members looking on.
*Fr.
Agyapong with the Choristers
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