The historic St. Anthony’s Chapel in Old Goa, western India, came alive with sacred melodies on Sunday as a special Lenten music concert filled the air with spiritual harmony on March 30.
Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão of Goa and Daman graced the event, commending Fr. Romeo Monteiro and his team for orchestrating a profound musical meditation on Christ’s Passion.
“The Lenten season is a time of deep reflection on the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus. This concert is a unique way to experience that journey through music,” said Ferrão.
In his address, the cardinal reflected Pope Francis’ vision for a synodal Church, emphasizing communion, participation, and mission.
He reminded the faithful that sacred music serves as a powerful medium for spiritual reflection and renewal, especially during the Jubilee Year 2025.
Under the direction of Monteiro, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman and director of the Western Music Department at Kala Academy, the concert showcased a stunning repertoire, including traditional Konkani motets, Gregorian chants, and classical masterpieces such as Stabat Mater by Josef Rheinberger and Worthy is the Lamb from Handel’s Messiah.
The performance featured a 62-member ensemble, comprising a four-part adult choir, a children’s section, and a full orchestra with strings, wind, and brass instruments.
Unlike professional ensembles, the performers were devoted Catholics and sacred music enthusiasts who came together for this special Lenten celebration.
Adding to the spiritual depth of the evening, Divina Dias led the congregation in meditative reflections, guiding attendees through moments of prayer and introspection.
The success of the concert was attributed to the dedication of Fr. Romeo Monteiro and his team, who ensured that music became a bridge to deeper faith.
“Fr. Romeo has offered us more than just a concert—he has provided a path to connect with God through sacred music,” the cardinal remarked.
This deeply moving Lenten music experience will also be held at Betalbatim Church, where Bishop Simião Fernandes will be the chief guest.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
