PANAJI
In a rare tradition depicting Goa’s music culture, around 40 musicians of brass bands from all over the State came together to perform at the Our Lady of Merces Church, Merces, on Sunday, to mark the feast of Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music.
The wind and percussion musicians, both men and women of different ages, assembled at the Merces Church and performed popular tunes at the church compound.
Later, a Mass was celebrated by Merces Assistant Parish Priest Fr Leslie Bosco Rego and concelebrated by Fr Cyril Rodrigues and Fr Pedro Miranda.
The musicians assembled and performed for the second time outside at church compound.
“The Covid pandemic did not deter musicians in different parts of Goa from gathering together at the Merces Church and rendering beautiful performances,” said Fr Rego.
“This rare event, where all musicians come together, takes place only in Merces and much of this credit goes to Francisco Azavedo, popularly known as Putush.” “This tradition of brass bands assembling in Merces has been celebrated on November 22, the feast day of St Cecilia, since the past 60 years.”
“This year too, we commemorated the day although the feast was not been celebrated this year as it was the Feast of the Solemnity of Christ the King,” Fr Rego added.
According to Fr Rego, the feast day of St Cecilia has become an occasion for musical concerts and festivals all over the world.
