Papal Nuncio cautions choristers against sidelining Christians

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The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Dr Augustine Kasujja has voiced his concern about the growing tendency of many local church choirs to monopolise singing during divine worship. He says choristers are supposed to sing with the Christians, not to sing for them.

The Golden Gate Choir in action. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

“The role of musical ministers is to accompany the congregation during divine worship. Today, in Europe, when you go to Church, you will see the choir singing and all the other Christians are silent. When the song ends, the Christians clap for the choir. This is not the proper way. You should not take away the position of the Christian community. You should always praise and worship God together with the other Christians. This also means that you have the responsibility of teaching the Christians the good songs you sing. There are so many nice songs for Church celebrations but very few are taught,” Kasujja said.

He made the remarks during the 10th Annual Christian Carol Festival of the Choristers Association of Uganda at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel, Rubaga on Sunday, December 1, 2024.

The students' ensemble from Uganda Martyrs SSS Bukalagi doing a western piece during the concert. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Kasujja paid tribute to the Choristers Association of Uganda for promoting unity and ecumenism among the choirs. He also thanked the association’s member choirs for their commitment to the Christian music ministry.

The association’s co-ordinator, Justine Nabbaale said the organisation was founded in 2014, primarily to promote unity/solidarity among the choirs in the various Catholic dioceses of Uganda.

The festival attracted various choirs including the Good Samaritan Choir from Bwayiise parish, Virgin Mary Melodies from Bbiina parish, Uganda Martyrs SS Bukalagi, St Maria Goretti Abato Center Nsambya and Mother Mary Seat of Wisdom SS Kasawo.

Archbishop Kasujja (left) gifting Catherine Namukalazi, a student of Seat of Wisdom SS Kasawo, who was the best choral conductor. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Seat of Wisdom SS Kasawo took the trophy for the schools’ category with 251 points. Uganda Martyrs SS Bukalagi was the first runner-up with 244 points. St Maria Goretti Abato Center kids took third position with 230 points.

Virgin Mary Melodies took the trophy for the parish-choirs’ category with 246 points. Good Samaritan Choir (from Bwayiise parish) took second position with 231 points.

Individual choristers who performed exceptionally well were also given special awards. Among them was Catherine Namukalazi, a student of Seat of Wisdom SS Kasawo, who the judges (Fr John Bosco Kabaalu and Mr Raymond Ssendi) declared as the best choral conductor.

Virgin Mary Melodies Bbiina in action during the concert. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Ensembles including Royal Dancers, Golden Gate Academy, Golden Gate Choir, Aloysius Choir from Nabbingo parish, Classical Chorale, Dr Kisitu and Fr Anthony Musaala also participated in the festival as entertainers.

The festival was preceded by mass presided over by the association's patron, Fr Joseph Mary Ssebunnya.