Davanagere, Harihara, September 8, 2023: The audio launch of much-awaited liturgical hymns ‘Swarga Sveekrutha Maatheya Balipuje’ (Mass in honour of our Lady of Assumption) was held at Minor Basilica of our Lady of Health in the Diocese of Shimoga on Friday, September 8th.
Most. Rev Dr Francis Serrao Sj, Bishop of Diocese of Shimoga released the Liturgical Hymns. Rev. Fr George K. A, Rector of Minor Basilica, Rev. Fr Franklin D’Souza, Parish Priest of Hiriyur, Rev. Fr Pius D’Souza, Diocesan Youth Director and Fr Venil Dsilva, Mission Director of Harappanahalli, were present for the program.
Bishop Francis Serrao SJ had given the imprimatur. Launching the audio, Bishop Francis Serrao SJ expressed the importance of mass and how singing can play an important role in liturgy.
The tune of the whole mass set including the penitential rite, Gloria, Sanctus, profession of faith and lamb of God was composed by Rev. Fr Nelson Dsouza for liturgical use. Harmony and music was done by renowned musician Mr. Cajetan Dias. Shilpa Cutinha, Joshal D’Souza, Hayden Sequeira and Stephen Cutinha rendered their voice in the liturgical hymns. Mixing and mastering was done by Johnson Durai.
Rev. Fr Alphonse Nelson D’Souza is a Priest of the Diocese of Shimoga was Ordained on 27th April 2016. He hails from St. Thomas Church, Davanagere . He completed his B.A in Western Music at Sandesha, Mangalore. He obtained his Masters in Philosophy and Theology at St. Joseph’s Inter-Diocesan Seminary at Jeppu, Mangalore.
At present he serves as Assistant Parish Priest of Our Lady of Assumption Church Hiriyur, Chitradurga District and as Head Master of Assumption English High School at Hiriyur. Since music is gift from God, he spends time in composing simple tunes for Liturgical Hymns. So that everyone can make use of them.