Singing is Praying Twice
Evangelization takes many forms depending on the talents one is endowed with. One of the ways in which people express their faith is through music, and quoting St. Augustine: “Singing is praying twice”. The choir of the St. Vincent de Paul School, an elementary school for boys of the Brothers CMM in Mosocho, entered the studio in October 2019 to record a gospel album. It is their third album; earlier albums were released in 2015 and 2017.
The first album was a thanksgiving to God for his goodness to our Congregation. The second one was recorded to commemorate the Year of Mercy, in line with our charism, the spirituality of brotherhood and mercy. The latest album is a prayer to God, to strengthen us all in our vocations in the Church. This third album came at a time when our Congregation of the Brothers CMM was celebrating its 175 years’ jubilee. Consequently, one of the songs was dedicated to this particular jubilee. It is sung in the Kiswahili language and with the accompaniment of sweet sounding instruments, as a beautiful tribute to the Congregation.
There’s something for everyone
To ensure variety of songs in our album, we recorded 11 songs, composed by six different composers from both Kenya and Tanzania. Eight of the songs were composed in the Swahili language, while three others in English. Video shooting was then done at different scenes and the album was launched on 11 January 2020, during the School Education Day, in Mosocho. Such activities are organized by the school administration, in conjunction with the liturgical committee, that is currently chaired by Brother Albert Nyantika.Sing along!
The aim of this initiative is to enable our learners to understand music can be a strong tool for evangelization both in Church and world. Music is catchy, and it can encourage others to start exploring their own talents. If we put all talents together in a choir, we get a beautiful singing together. If we do the same in society, a beautiful society is created.
Music activities are not ‘just for fun’: they will enhance the pupils’ interpersonal communication skills. Especially as they interact with their counterparts from other areas of the country, especially during the Kenya National Music Festivals, in which they have participated the last five years. I have witnessed a tremendous change in them.
Gift
The participants were so delighted to be at the music recording studio, as some of them were there for the first time. How precious it is to use our God-given talents ‘to serve and enlighten, to speak a redeeming word, to offer a helping hand’. Just try it, and you will never regret it.