‘Josephian Carols’ renewed hope for a community in distress

St. Cecilia’s Choir of St. Joseph’s College

Undaunted by Covid restrictions and undeterred by intermittent closure of schools, St. Cecilia’s Choir of St. Joseph’s College went on to conduct the annual Carols Service in all its splendour, whilst adhering to all mandatory health regulations.

Aptly titled “Verbum Caro” (and the Word was made Flesh), the central theme of the sacred event focused on the stupendous Christian mystery of the Son of God coming to Earth as a fragile babe in order to endure the pangs of our human existence.

Held in the evening of December 18, at the vast Rev. Dr. Abeysekere Auditorium, as the solemn entrance procession made its way in, bearing the statue of the Infant Jesus, the Choir chanted the traditional Christmas antiphon, “Jesu Redemptor Omnium”, enhancing the rendition with a four-part chorus.

After the Opening Prayer by Rev. Fr. Dilip Charles, the relevant reflections were studded in between, as the anthems and carols cascaded to provide a smooth flow. It captured the fascinating biblical stories that began with Mary’s “fiat” to God’s call, on the day the Angel Gabriel appeared to her. Thereafter came Mary’s exuberant hymn of praise with Elizabeth titled “Be Exalted”.

The five part rendition of “Silent Night” –first in German and then in English – proclaimed the Nativity of Christ the Saviour.

The presentations of carols by the 66-membered choir, vocalised the popular Christmas favorite – “Seethala Sulanga Hamai”, as well as the traditional Tamil carol, “Rajathi Rajamani”. They also sang for the first time, the mellifluous “Joseph’s Lullaby”.

Thereafter came the Advanced Level students who are now earnestly preparing for their periodically postponed examinations, to sing the soul-stirring song “Mary Did You Know?”.

Next, the Old Joes Choir rendered two classical compositions “Away in a Manger” and “Angels from the Realms of Glory”.

A brief Christmas message by Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi, the Rector of St. Joseph’s College, succinctly reflected on the reason for the season – Jesus Christ, the Son of God. This was followed by his blessing.

St. Cecilia’s Choir of St. Joseph’s College re-entered the arena to sing the rousing carol “O Holy Night” – first in French and then in English. A selected group of senior singers then sang the modern composition “Saviour’s Day” in resonating choral harmony with the Bass and Tenor singers.

Composer Vivaldi’s “Gloria in Excelsis Deo”, although musically challenging, was gloriously presented by the Josephian choristers.

The Josephian Carols 2021 which also commemorated the 125th anniversary of the College itself, culminated with the popular carol “Joy to the World”, lustily sung by the Choir and Congregation.

As those assembled prepared to leave the arena, the Choir sang the exhilarating Spanish song “Feliz Navidad”, wishing everyone a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

The Josephian Carols 2021 could be considered as a clarion call to young people, to defy all odds and overcome challenges to do what has to be done. Since our world has radically changed as never before in human history, we face the turbulent challenge of wading through the stormy weather to reach our goals and even go beyond.