Youthful harmonies inspire parishioners

A four-part parish youth choir is inspiring Catholics with its repertoire of hymns in Latin, English and the Myanmar language.

The 30 members of the St. Lazarus Youth Choir in Yangon range from 14 to 30 years, and churchgoers simply love their singing.

The St. Lazarus Youth Choir during the 2006 diocesan youth choir competition

“I feel as if I am drawing nearer and nearer to God,” said Cecilia Tharno, 53, a housewife who attends St. Lazarus Church where the choir is based. “Upon hearing the clear words of the songs, my faith is deepened and I feel happier and closer to the Lord.”

Bernadette Khin Khin Myint, 40, told UCA News that she had been attending Mass in the church here for more than a decade, and the youth choir, re-established only recently, “has refreshed and uplifted me.”

A youth choir was established in the Church more than 30 years ago but disappeared as members aged and no leader could be found.

Then, in 2003, the archbishop of Yangon announced a competition for youth choirs that reignited enthusiasm for this particular church ministry, and the St. Lazarus Youth Choir was re-established. It went on to win the top prize during the December 2006 diocesan youth choir competition.

Now during Sunday Masses, the group sings the Kyrie, Gloria and the Creed in the local language and the Our Father in English. Latin is used for occasions such as the parish feast day and Christmas services.

Choirmaster Reggie San Lwin Oo, 43, says one of his motivations for training the choir in four-part singing is personal. “I want to go to a church where there´s a good choir,” he said. In addition, “my intention of teaching music to young people is to prepare them for Sunday Mass and other celebrations in the church.”

The young choristers say that singing Church songs is spiritually uplifting.

“Singing is praying twice,” said Brigit Ei Ei Thel Maung, 28. “Praising God in song draws down double graces.” She added that many Catholics these days, especially youths, are attracted to Masses where there is a good choir.

Another member, Boniface Shwe Hti, 28, said he is happy to be able to be part of a group that produces beautiful music which can inspire parishioners during Mass.

The choir practices every Saturday at 1 pm. Members say they have a plan to help young Catholics develop an interest in music by arranging music classes for them in the summer holidays, which will include guitar and basic music theory.