ICYM holds solo and group singing competition 

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”

To embellish the singing potentiality, to provide a platform to the budding singers and also to unveil the harmonious voices and vivify the certitude of the children and the adults, an Inter-Ward singing competition was organized by ICYM in the tastefully decorated church Hall on 31^st October, 2021 

“One song can change a moment, one idea can change a world, one step can start a journey but a PRAYER can change the impossible”. An invocation marked the outset of the programme. 

Kevin Vas, President of ICYM, Neermarga unit welcomed the assemblage. Contest Highlights and Terms & Conditions for participation were appealingly specified. Jackson Mascarenhas , Secretary – ICYM Neermarga Unit introduced the Judges while Lydia D Souza, Jelroy Vas and Aveen Vas guided the children and adults through the competition by inviting all the participants to perform meticulously . 

The event was graced by Rev Fr Anil Canute D Mello, Parish Priest; Mr Ravi Saldanha, the Vice President and Mr Prakash Pereira, Secretary – Parish Pastoral Council; Mr Sundeep Misquith and Mr Sunil Pereira – Animators, ICYM. 

The flowering singers participated to demonstrate their singing skills with verve and elation. 115 contenders from sixteen wards took part in the Solo and Group segments with poise to a four member jury comprising of Rev Fr Rudolf Pinto , Mrs Anita D Souza, Mr Roshan Rocco, Sister Jessy Baretto and assembled parishioners. The contestants were judged on aspects such as Pitch and Quality of Voice, Rhythm, Expression and Modulation, Clarity of Words and General Presentation. The reencounter had various genres of boys and girls aged 5-10,11-15, 16 -30, 30 -50, 50 and above. Each of the genres had first, second and third places. Accordingly, points were allotted to each ward on the basis of winning in order to win the overall championship. The overall champion of the singing competition was St Francis 

Assisi Ward , Runner up Trophy was bagged by Lourdes and Christ the King Wards. 

The competition was also held online for the parishioners residing in different parts of the globe. The aspirants sang from the comfortable ambience of their homes and sent in an audition video in lieu of a live performance to a particular WhatsApp number, assigned to each category. Videos sent by the contestants were displayed on the LCD projector. Three best winners were selected from each category for their best performances. 

Rev. Fr. Anil D Mello, Parish Priest, in his Presidential Address for the valedictory programme presented his point of view about the participation, methodic organization by the ICYM and positive attitude of the participants. 

The organizers thanked Rev Fr Anil D Mello, for his unstinted labour of love he renders unassumingly to the children, youth and adults at large. 

A duet by Melba Pereira and Jackson Mascarenhas was appreciated by one and all. Mrs Anita D Souza magnetized the audience through her soulful aria. She iterated that to be a good singer one should exercise with wishful thoughts and painstaking efforts and gave a clear call to pay attention to pitch and rhythm. 

Rev Fr Rudolf Pinto, in his speech emphasized on the importance of participation and also lauded the contestants for their melodious and graceful singing. Oscheal Serrao and Vinod compeered the programme and announced the names of the winners. On the whole the participants showcased a sense of self-esteem and self-assurance as a result of the competition. It was undoubtedly a memorable experience.