St. Louis the Great – Mpiri Parish was a hive of activity as Christians around the world celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the true spirit of Christmas, the parish organised a vibrant Christmas Choir Festival that brought together 26 choirs from across the parish community.
The colourful and prayerful celebration showcased the rich musical talents of the choirs and fostered a deep spirit of praise, worship, and fellowship. Indeed, the familiar adage, “Those who sing, pray twice,” came alive as harmonious voices filled the parish grounds. This echoed the teaching of the Second Vatican Council, which affirms that sacred music should be joyful and serve as a means of strengthening unity and charity among the faithful (Sacrosanctum Concilium).
Addressing the choirs, the Parish Chaplain for Choirs, Fr. Leo Mpembedza, encouraged members to embrace singing as a vocation. “Dedicate yourselves to singing, for it is your calling to praise the Lord through music,” he said. He further urged the choirs to foster unity, adding, “Look at one another not as competitors, but as companions united by a common mission.”
The festival also served as a fundraising initiative for parish choirs, underscoring the vital role of sacred music in the life and mission of the Church. As Pope Francis reminds us, “Music is a gift from God, and its beauty can touch the heart and lead us to Him” (Evangelii Gaudium).
The celebration concluded on a joyful note, leaving participants with a renewed sense of unity, gratitude, and shared purpose in service to the Church.
St. Louis the Great – Mpiri Parish is one of the oldest parishes in the Diocese of Mangochi, having been established in 1926. Next year, the parish will mark a significant milestone as it celebrates its Centenary Jubilee Anniversary.
Communications Office
Diocese of Mangochi