The Santa Cecilia Choir of the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol presented a concert of sacred music on Sunday, 26th April 2026, themed “Dut Mhoje Zayat” – Be My Disciples, inspired by the words of the Risen Lord: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19). Archbishop-Patriarch Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão graced the occasion as Chief Guest, with Rev. Fr. José Adrião Rodrigues and Mr. Seby Fernandes as Guests of Honour, while the Rector, Rev. Dr. Donato Rodrigues, delivered the Welcome Address. 43 singers and 29 musicians performed on instruments ranging from violins and cellos to tabla and manjira, blending Western classical and Indian musical traditions under the direction of Rev. Fr. Mathew Rebello, music teacher at the Seminary. The programme traced the Seminary’s history through pieces such as Lux Iucunda, Mozart’s Veni Sancte Spiritus, Fr Bernard Cota’s I Will Give You Shepherds and Konkani hymns like Sant Antoni Bhokta, Sam Sebastianv Bhokta and Inasa Ixtta Jezuchea. In the second half, Cardinal Ferrão addressed the gathering, noting the shift from “mere audience to a gathering of worshipers” and calling sacred music a way of saying yes to the mystery of God. Highlights included César Franck’s Panis Angelicus and the title piece Dut Mhoje Zayat, composed by Fr. Joseph Rodrigues and arranged by Fr. Mathew Rebello. Fr. Mathew Rebello thanked everyone who contributed towards the success of the concert and the evening closed with Regina Caeli and Salve Regina. The function was compèred by Ms. Stacy Fernandes and Deacon Ryan Mascarenhas. The concert stood as a fitting tribute to the Easter Season and to the long tradition of priestly formation at Rachol Seminary.
