Churches and individuals have been called upon to help promote liturgical music, which seems to be suffering neglect due to the advent of new genres of music. The appeal was made at the 25th anniversary of St. Cecilia Choir, Ss Joachim and Anne Catholic Church, Ijegun in Alimosho Local Council, Lagos State.
In his opening address, the Choirmaster, Michael Onoh, lamented that except the Forum for the Inculturation of Liturgical Music (FILM), where Nigerian universities’ Catholic students’ choirs gather every two years, liturgical music has been relegated to the background. He asserted that sacred music and journalism are one of the immortal vacations, which is the consolation of choristers, amid the challenges they face. “Amid the challenges, we are consoled that in our home beyond, what we do here will be among the three last vocations.
You may doubt it, but only musicians, soldiers and journalists are needed in heaven. While the Choir of Angels sing unto God (see Rev 4:8-11), Angel Michael leads soldiers to fight demons (see Rev 12:7–10) and Angel Gabriel leads journalists to spread news/information (see Luke 1.26-38),” he said.
According to Onoh, looking forward to addressing part of the challenges, St Cecilia Choir has a bold plan to improve liturgical singing in the parish by embarking on the revitalisation of the sound system in the parish. The event, which is used to raise funds for the purchase of musical equipment for the parish’s new worship edifice, coincided with the Good Shepherd Sunday of the Catholic Church. In his homily at the holy Mass that preceded the celebration, Rev Fr.
Amos Oleni, said the role of a shepherd or leader cannot be over-emphasised in society; hence, nations choose their leaders seriously. The cleric said: “A shepherd is like a ship’s captain. He is responsible for piloting the vessel, the crew, the passengers and cargo to their destination.
” He noted that the Bible mentioned shepherds and shepherding over 200 times, noting that every human being plays the shepherd’s role in one capacity or another. There are shepherds in our families and other facets of society.” The Mass ended with a beautiful rendition of GF Handel’s ‘Halleluyah Chorus’ conducted by the Assistant General Choirmaster of Holy Family Catholic Church, Festac Town, Ogechukwu Nwenyi.
Vice Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), Dr. Mike Ikobi, represented the Parish Priest, Rev Fr. Andrew Abhulime, at the event compered by Gabriel Ubanese and chaired by Mr.
Andrew Okorocha. The choristers, in their beautiful Ankara uniform, thrilled the guests with an Igbo glee, ‘Ihe Chukwu Meere m’ by Obiora Ogbonna..
