The Cape Coast Archdiocesan Catholic Choirs’ Association (CCACCA) recently held a two-day choral congress at the St. Peter’s Regional Seminary, Pedu in Cape Coast. The theme for the congress was, Sing To The Lord With Grateful Praise, Make Music To Our God On The Harp. (Psalms 147:7)
Mr. Joseph Akabouh in his welcome address, encouraged choristers to improve the quality of music in their Deaneries and Parishes. He reminded attendees of the Association’s founding in the year 2018. Nine out of the eleven deaneries were present for the Congress with each deanery presenting forty members.
He called on the members to observe a minute of silence for the repose of the soul of a dedicated member and to sing the anthem Laudate Dominum.
The choirs in the deaneries present, Winneba, Elmina, Awutu, Bisease, Swedru, Saltpond, Cape Coast, and Abura Dunkwa, took turns performing in a competition.
The Director of Catholic Mission Press (CMP), Rev. Fr. Valentine Odoom, informed the choristers about the Double Jubilee Celebration and the Choir Competition planned for May 2025.
The Archdiocesan Music Director, Mr. Ben Sackey informed the deaneries that the best five choirs emerging out of the competition will be selected to compete in the May 2025 competition.
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast, Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, who was the Special Guest of honour, encouraged the choristers to keep up the good work they are doing. He exhorted them with “Qui cantat, bis orat”, a saying of St. Augustine which means “he who sings, prays twice” and “Laborare et orare” meaning ‘to work is to pray’. He encouraged the choristers to find joy in what they do and make it their prayer dedication to God and He will bless them.
He thanked the Archdiocesan Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ashun for the good work he is doing and encouraged choristers who do not receive the Body of Christ to take the necessary steps to do so.
Archbishop Palmer-Buckle at the closing Mass of the solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, said God sent his Angels to save Peter when he was in jail, therefore, they should bear in mind that they are serving and singing for a God who saves. He reminded them of the Holy Father’s declaration of the Year of Prayer, encouraging them to pray for one another.
He stressed the need to start their rehearsal with prayer and be time-conscious. He said as the Lord has given them gifts, much will be expected of them and to use their gifts in a way that will please the Lord.
Very Rev. Fr. George K. A. Bonnah speaking to the theme called on choristers to be open to the book of Psalms, renew themselves with the inspirational words of King David and be role models to the church.
From Stephen Patrick Asante
CAFDIL – CAPE COAST
