OUR SHRINE CHOIRS
English Choir:
A Brief History of the English Choir – 51 Years of Service:
The English Choir has a rich history spanning more than five decades of dedicated service to God and the Church. Over the years, generations of religious sisters, parishioners, students, musicians, and choir members have come together to praise God through music and to serve during the Holy Eucharist and Eucharistic Adoration.
The Early Years:
The musical tradition at our parish goes back even further than the formation of the English Choir in 1975.
In the early 1960s, Sr. Angelina used to play the organ, accompanied mainly by the Sisters of Charity from Capitanio Convent, which is now Holy Mary School. At times, Philomena Collas, Josephine Collas (later Sr. Constantine), Vincent Collas, and others also joined them.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Sr. Lucy continued this musical service. After Sr. Lucy was transferred, Sr. Clarissa took over and continued playing the organ.
In 1975, under the guidance of Rev. Sr. Clarissa of the Sisters of Charity at Holy Mary Convent, near the grotto, the English Choir was formally established. Sr. Clarissa regularly gathered the choir members for practice and encouraged them to use their musical gifts in the service of the Church.
Among the prominent members of this early period was Reynold Alexander. The choir brought together religious sisters, including Sr. N. L. Tresa, Sr. Lourd Mary, and other Sisters, along with parishioners. Together, they united in song to serve the Lord during the Holy Eucharist and Eucharistic Adoration.
The Choir Under Peter D’Souza and the Early Members
In 1979, Peter D’Souza took an active role in supporting and leading the choir..
Other members included Mark, Irene, Seraphim, Nirmala, Prashanti, John Bosco (Dhanraj), Tony, and Anthony Joseph (Raju).
When George Powell (Uncle Powell) joined the parish, he became an important part of the choir’s musical journey. His arrival also brought Leone and Rita Powell, whom the choir welcomed with open hearts and arms. Those were remembered as some of the most wonderful years of the choir’s fellowship and service.
There was a brief period between the time of Mr. Nicholas and Uncle Powell when the choir functioned without a choir master. During this time, the choir sang with only a guitar. Peter D’Souza, and sometimes Mark Collas, led the singing.
The Second Phase:
The second phase of the choir saw the involvement of Alexander, who played the accordion, together with his younger brother Anil, who played the tabla. George Williams (Daddu) played the guitar, while his brother Johnny played the drums. Reggie and Ralffi contributed as vocalists, along with several other parishioners.
This period was followed by the arrival of Mr. Nicholas, who came from a family of musicians and served as the organist. He was joined by Lucas, James Sylvester, Vincent, Priscilla, Anttonet, Fr. Valentine, Fr. Michael, and many others who contributed their musical talents to the choir. Bro. Patrick, who played the congo, also supported the Telugu Choir.
Elementary (1st – 6th Grade): Inclusion model
Breakthrough (1st Grade – 18 years old): Sensory sensitive classroom
We believe our church is richer for these little ones and we seek to partner with Gods’ dreams and purposes for them. For more information and to notify us that your child will be joining us, please email: example@cmsmasters.com
The Choir Under Different Leaders:
Over the years, the English Choir was led and supported by several dedicated members, including Peter D’Souza, Mark, Irene and her sister, Dhanraj, Tony, Francis, Edwin, and Leonni Powell. The Sisters from Vijay Maria and Holy Mary Convent, as well as students from the Nursing School, also played an important role in the choir’s service.
The responsibility was later continued by John Peter, together with George Powell.
During this period, Anthony Joseph, on keyboard, rendered yeoman service by generously giving his time and talent for more than 40 years. His dedication extended beyond the English Choir to the Children’s Choir, and he continues to serve by playing for the Tamil Choir, English Choir, Nursing School Students’ Choir, and other groups. His long-standing commitment is a wonderful example of service through music.
Dedicated Members Through the Years:
Over the decades, many parishioners generously gave their time and talents to the English Choir. Among them were:
- Annamary
- Sheela
- Treasa
- Fathima
- Soniya
- Youvanka (Tiny)
- Mary Florence
- John Peter
- Johnny Morace
- Bernard Solomon
- Robert
- Edward Joseph
- Emmanuel
- James
- Easter Philip
- William Joseph
- Nitin David
- Noah Israel (Late)
- John George
- Gloria
- Mario Francis
- Sugunanathan
- Deepchand Paul
- Harry Johnson
- Daniel
- Marvin
- Harry Anthony (Chichu)
- Sebastian Ferro
- Daniel
- Robert Don Bosco
- Margrett Israel
- Savio Paes
- Marvin Pereira
- Everest
- Ignatius
- Alfred
- Sunny
- Jackson Xavier
- James
- Richard
and many others who faithfully served the choir over the years.
Many of these members were part of the choir from around 1998 onwards, helping to carry forward the tradition of prayer, fellowship, and service through music.
Sadly, some of our beloved choir members have since gone to their eternal reward and now rest in God’s loving presence. We remember them with deep gratitude for their contribution, dedication, friendship, and service to the Church. Their voices may have fallen silent, but their memories and their service remain a treasured part of our choir’s history.
The Choir Today:
After Uncle Powell’s tenure, Edward Joseph continued to lead the choir and carry forward its tradition of dedicated service.
We now come to the present group, whose members continue to dedicate their lives to the service of the Church and to Our Blessed Mother, seeking her guidance and intercession.
From around 1998 to the present day, successive members have continued to uphold the choir’s mission and preserve the legacy handed down to them by those who served before them.
Today, the English Choir is led by Easter Philip (Naveen), who, together with the present members, continues to uphold the beautiful tradition of praising and worshipping God through music.
A Legacy of Faith and Service:
Over these 51 years, the English Choir has witnessed generations of religious sisters, parishioners, students, musicians, and choir members come together in faith and fellowship.
Each generation has added its own contribution while preserving the spirit of service, devotion, fellowship, and love for sacred music. From the early days of the Sisters of Charity and the organ music of Sr. Angelina, Sr. Lucy, and Sr. Clarissa, through the many choir leaders, musicians, and parishioners who followed, the choir has remained an important part of the spiritual life of our parish.
We gratefully remember all those who have served the choir in the past, honour those who continue to serve today, and pray for the guidance and blessings of Our Blessed Mother as the choir continues its musical and spiritual journey.
May the English Choir continue to sing for the greater glory of God, for the service of His Church, and for many more years to come.
May every voice raised in song be a prayer, every note be an offering, and every service be for the glory of God.
Our Telugu Choir – A Journey of Faith, Music and Togetherness
Initially, the Telugu Choir did not have a musician and was supported by the Vijay Marie Sisters. Later, in 2010, with the encouragement and support of the Vijay Marie Sisters, Royan Joseph Pereira took up the responsibility of being the choir’s musician.
One of the greatest strengths and sources of encouragement throughout our journey has been the constant support of our priests. Rev. Fr. Paul Raj and Fr. Gopu Sunder have always encouraged and supported the choir in every way possible. Most importantly, our very own Fr. Michael Selvaraj has always motivated us with his kind and encouraging words, giving us the confidence to continue our service through music. We are deeply grateful to him and to all the priests who have supported, encouraged and blessed our choir throughout the years.
With Royan playing the music and coordinating with the Sisters and Vijay Marie students, a wonderful group came together. We began practicing every Saturday, and over time, the choir grew stronger and became a great success.
Today, we are blessed to have the Holy Mary Sisters supporting us as well. Our choir has also grown with many active and dedicated members, including children who were once in 6th and 7th standard and have now grown into confident and talented lead singers.
In 2024, Royan moved to the UK. However, his dedication and musical guidance continue through Alvin Patrick, who was trained by Royan. Alvin started playing for the choir when he was in 9th standard and has now grown into an amazing and talented musician, continuing the musical journey of our choir.When all of us come together, we bring not only our voices and musical talents but also our energy, enthusiasm and love for the Lord. It is this unity and dedication that makes our Telugu Choir special.
We are truly grateful to all the Sisters, priests, musicians and choir members who have contributed to this beautiful journey. May we continue to come together, sing with joy and use our voices to praise and glorify the Lord. 🙏🎶
Choir Members:
- Sr. Nirmala
- Sr. Lorenza
- Sr. Amala
- Royan Joseph Pereira
- Alvin Patrick
- Jessica Stephen
- Mary
- Mariyam
- Joana Francina
- Eucherius Anthony Francis (Joshua)
- Anthonia Celestina Pereira
- Savio Ashwed Stanley
- Sheela John
- Susan
- Petrisha
- Maria Bombina
- Saroja
- Renuka
- Bala
- Bala (Vijay Marie)
- Gracy
- Suvarna
- Jyothi
Children’s Choir:
In the year 2006 under the guidance and training of Sr. Flavia, Children’s Choir was formed. She encouraged the children back then who are now in various choirs today.
Dominic Parnell played for the Children’s Choir. We slowly began singing for Saturdays too except for first Saturday. There were a number of children back who used their talent to serve God, this was between
[2006 _2012]
Dominic Parnell
Pearl Parnell
Jane Parnell
Angela Maria Peter
Rohit Aloyious
Royan.
We would take turns and learn and play for the mass.
Tamil Choir
History and Growth of the Tamil Choir at the Shrine, Khairatabad
The Tamil Choir at the Shrine, Khairatabad, has a long and cherished history of dedicated service to the Church. The choir was originally formed by Maria, the daughter of Uncle Joshua, the Catechist, along with Mommy Teacher, Susai Mary, Psripoornam, Rita, Steven, and Lourda Bhagya Nathan. Uncle Nicholas served as the musician for the Tamil Choir, with the support of Anthony Dass Israel.
Thereafter, the Tamil Choir was taken over and led by Mrs. Lourda Bhagya Nathan from 1982 onwards. Those who joined and supported her during this period included Priya Bhagya Nathan, Margaret Israel, and Jaya Bhagya Nathan, along with Fr. Dominic Savio. George Powell, the musician, was also a great source of support to the Tamil Choir.
In 1995, Anthony Joseph (Joe) became the musician who led and supported the team. Subsequently, in 2002, Fathima Mary (Susi Aunty), Paul Raj Ezil, Shanti, and Sunny joined the choir and contributed their talents to its service.
Over the years, the present members of the Tamil Choir have remained dedicated to the service of the Church, offering their God-given talents of singing to the Shrine at Khairatabad.
A significant contribution to the Tamil Choir was the introduction of the Tamil Litany by Mrs. Lourda Bhagya Nathan during the tenure of Fr. Y. M. Joseph. When the Tamil Litany was sung by Lourda Bhagya Nathan, it became immensely popular. The clergy, religious, devotees, pilgrims, and, above all, the parishioners experienced a deeply prayerful atmosphere and loved listening to the Litany again and again.
Since 1997, Mrs. Lourda Bhagya Nathan has continued to lead the Tamil Choir successfully, under the loving blessings and guidance of Mary, our Mother. Her dedication and commitment have been instrumental in keeping the Tamil Choir active and vibrant over the years.
It is also fitting to mention that Mr. Anthony Joseph and Mr. Anthony Bhagyanathan have taken a keen interest in the Tamil Choir and have worked tirelessly for its success in their respective areas of service.
The Tamil Choir continues to be a beautiful expression of faith, devotion, and service, using the gift of music to enrich the spiritual life of the Shrine and its parish community. The dedication of its past and present members remains a testimony to their love for the Church and for Mary, our Mother.
VIJAY MARIE CHOIR:
The Vijaya Marie Choir was formed in 1997 and was initiated by Rev. Sr. Ann Ponnatil. The musician who has been associated with the choir since its inception is Anthony Joseph who continues to serve the choir to this day.
The Vijaya Marie Choir is a group of nuns who lead the 6:00 a.m. Sunday Mass throughout the year and also serve during the Annual Feast, particularly for the 6:00 a.m. Mass.
For more than two decades, the choir was led by Sr. Juliana, who dedicated herself to the ministry of music and helped strengthen the choir over the years.
The choir sings hymns and songs in various languages, including English, Tamil, Telugu, Konkani, Malayalam, and Sadri, representing both the northern and southern regions. Through their music, they bring together different languages and cultures in the praise and worship of God.
The choir receives guidance, support, and encouragement from the Superior of the Convent. At present, Dr. Rev. Sr. Susheela Gyam, the Superior, continues to support and encourage the choir in its mission of spreading the Word of God through music and singing.
Currently, the Vijaya Marie Choir is led by Sr. Vijaya and Margaret Israel, who continue to guide the choir in its ministry and service to the Church.
Through their dedicated service, prayerful singing, and commitment to the liturgy, the Vijaya Marie Choir continues to glorify God and inspire the faithful through the gift of music and singing.
The Children’s Choir – Nurturing Young Hearts Through Sacred Music
The Children’s Choir is a vibrant and joyful ministry comprising young singers from Class 1 through Class 10, who come together with enthusiasm and dedication to serve God through music.
The choir is led by three gifted young musicians — Alvin Patrick, Maria Bombina, and Ethan Samuel Francis — all of whom have been trained and mentored by Royan Joseph Pereira. Through their continued guidance, the children are not only developing their musical abilities but are also being introduced to the beauty, reverence, and richness of Sacred Music.
The Children’s Choir sings at the 6:00 p.m. Mass every Saturday, gathering at least an hour before Mass for practice and preparation. Their musical ministry continues on Sundays as they lead the singing at the Children’s Mass during Catechism, giving them yet another opportunity to serve and participate actively in the liturgy.
For these young voices, the choir is much more than a musical activity. It is a beautiful encounter with God — a place where they learn discipline, teamwork, devotion, and the joy of offering their God-given talents in His service.
It is truly a blessing that these children are being given such wonderful exposure to Sacred Music from a young age, allowing them to discover that their voices and talents can become instruments of prayer.
May they continue to sing with joyful hearts, grow in faith and grace, and always remember that every note they sing is an offering to God and a way to glorify His Holy Name.
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!” — Psalm 150:6
