Gathered under the roof of Mary Help of Christians Parish in Naigaon East, the faithful congregated for an evening of spiritual nourishment and communal celebration – the Gospel Band Event of 2024.

Organized by the vibrant youth group known as Y.M.H.C, this event served as a testament to the parish’s commitment to fostering faith, unity, and worship.

The evening commenced with an unforeseen challenge as the power outage threatened to derail the scheduled program. However, the dedicated youth group and the entire band team, exemplified remarkable composure and leadership. Together, they demonstrated unity and resolve, navigating through the challenging situation with patience and unwavering faith, while collectively encouraging everyone to persevere in praising the Lord.

With minimal instruments that could function without electricity, the congregation, undeterred by the darkness, joined forces with the singers, raising their voices in song and prayer, transforming the setback into an opportunity for collective worship. As they improvised with their phone flashlights, the atmosphere became charged with a sense of unity and devotion.

After approximately 40 minutes, the power was restored, prompting a collective sigh of relief from everyone present. With the venue once again illuminated, the Gospel Band took the stage, igniting the atmosphere with their inspiring melodies and heartfelt lyrics that resonated with the praises of the Lord.

A highlight of the evening was the deeply moving testimonies shared by Mrs. Veena Noronha, Bro Raymond, Mrs. Christaline Pinto, Dennis Borges (Youth), and Mr. Beni Menezes from the parish, who had all experienced God’s healing touch during challenging periods in their lives. Through their stories, we are reminded that even in the darkest moments, God is at work, orchestrating miracles and guiding us through the tunnels of struggle. Their journeys inspire us to hold onto faith, knowing that just as they emerged from their challenges into the light, so too shall we find our way through our own trials.

Towards the end of the event, Fr. Dominic Martis shared some heartfelt words with everyone, reminding us of the profound impact of faith and the strength found in unity. He emphasized how the transformative power of music and worship can bring us closer to God, leaving everyone feeling deeply touched by his message.

The Gospel Band, comprising talented singers including Roystern, Olinda, Pooja, Elaine, Rachel, Joslin, Serena, Russell, Lareina, Preeti, Denis, Cyneka, Clara, Jessica, Joshua, Michael, Beni, and Elijah, delivered a captivating performance that uplifted the souls of all in attendance. Their voices, accompanied by the skilled musicianship of Cassin Veigas, Dennis Matta, Bianca Hendricks, Elijah Baretto, and Roystern Dsouza, filled the venue with an atmosphere of reverence and joy.

Adding to the dynamic energy of the event, dancers Gail, Annya, Conception, Joyce, Valeni, and Shalen graced the stage for several songs, infusing the performance with their vibrant movements and spirit.

Behind the scenes, the success of the event was made possible by the tireless efforts of the sound team, led by Michael Pillai and Jonathan Kaikey. Additionally, the unwavering dedication of the core youth team – Kevin, Melroy, Shalen, Jessica, and Beni – played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth execution of the event.

Special recognition is also extended to Dennis Borges, Amorio, Lourdinha, Viren, Aditya, Ivo, Bhavik, Tushar, Valen, Don and his entire team whose invaluable contributions were instrumental in creating a memorable evening. A heartfelt vote of thanks was delivered by Jaden, acknowledging the efforts of all involved in making the event a resounding success.

The Gospel Band Event was more than simply an evening of music and testimonies; it was a live example of overpowering the forces of darkness by continuing to glorify God in the face of hardship. As the power outage threatened to overshadow the event, people’s steadfast faith shone through, resulting in power restoration and the continuation of the program. It was truly an evening of spiritual sustenance, social celebration, and a reaffirmation of the parish’s dedication to developing faith, togetherness, and worship.

Written by Cyneka D’sa