Zimbabwe’s Young Catholics
hold “Thanks be to God- Deo Gratias” Concert
 |
| YOung Zimbabwe Catholics hold Concert. |
“Spirited, stunning, lively” are some of the comments from
the audience that attended the “Thanks be to God - Deo Gratias” Concert held
recently at the Arrupe Jesuit University in Harare, Zimbabwe. The Concert was
hosted by Young Zimbabwean Catholics known as Ignite Youth Choir working under
the auspices of the Jesuit Youth Ministry.
Nonhlanhla Ngwenya – Harare, Zimbabwe
A gratitude musical concert to say ‘Thanks be to God!’ was
the inaugural Deo Gratias Concert precisely about young people giving thanks to
God and expressing their gratitude for all his blessings in a musical and
artistic form.
Hosted by the Ignite Youth Choir, whose members are
drawn from various parishes and from Magis Zimbabwe Network, the concert
attracted a huge crowd who were treated to a variety of voices and instruments
representative of worship and praise songs.
Evangelising and celebrating youth talent
Jesuit Youth Ministry delegate, Fr Ignatius Padya SJ
expressed his gratitude for the committed youths who desire to evangelise and
celebrate their talents through art.
“Our Concert was a success in the sense that we managed to
bring something very unique on stage. It was a night of music and arts. I am
happy that we managed to pull through despite challenges we faced,” he said.
The audience enjoyed the joyous and prayerful performances
from the hosts, the Ignite Youth Choir and music by other
choirs that serenaded the audience. These included Magis Zambia, Magis Southern
Africa and Magis Mozambique. Also performing on the evening were Fr.
Moreblessing Musakatiza and a Redemptorist priest, Fr. Kofi Ampoma Gynkaye
CSSR.
Fr Moreblessing, popularly known as Fr Mobie expressed his
gratitude to the organisers and audience.
Young people expressing themselves through art
“It was an honour being part of and performing at the Deo Gratias
Concert. The experience was awesome. Given that we are all musical beings, such
platforms are important because they somehow help the youth to express
themselves freely through art.”
Speaking after the event, the lead vocalist for Magis
Mozambique, Bernadette Matagala said the concert was outstanding.
“At first I was very scared to go on stage…When I did, I
felt the great affection of the audience. I felt at home.”
Other participants said they learned from others and had
been significantly enriched by the experience.
Diversity within the Catholic Church
The evening’s guest of honour, Zimbabwe’s Minister of
Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Priscah Mupfumira, applauded Magis Zimbabwe
for organising the Concert.
“I want to applaud the organisers of the Concert that has
brought young talented people from as far as Zambia and Mozambique and other
youth groups within our country. As a Catholic, I am proud of what you are
doing,” she said.
Simon Mzungu the Programmes Coordinator for Ignite
Youth Choir appreciated the diversity that exists within the Catholic
Church from country to country as exhibited through the Concert.
“It showed us how the Church had a lot of energy through the
youth and showed a lot of light and life for the future church,” Mzungu observed.
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