UOC Catholic students hold carol service with message of love
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‘Dona Nobis Pacem’, the Annual Carol Service organised by the Catholic Students’ Movement (CSM) of the University of Colombo (UOC) was held on December 7 at the university’s New Arts Theater, marking this Christmas season on a spiritual and celebratory note.
The occasion was graced by the Archbishop Emeritus of the most reverend Dr Oswald Gomis of Archdiocese of Colombo and Chancellor as the chief guest. The opening payer was recited by Wasitha Perera while Hashitha Peiris, the president of UOC Catholic Students’ Movement, warmly welcomed the gathering. The event was witnessed by distinguished invitees, the staff and students of the university, their families, past students and well-wishers.
Regardless of religion and ethnicity, enthusiastic and talented choristers from the UOC’s different faculties, together with Visual and Performing Arts University undergraduates took part in this choral celebration. Their vocal skills and linguistic talents were astounding as they presented the English and Sinhala versions of the original lyrics. Traditional hymns, classical compositions along with modern and traditional Sinhala, English and Tamil carols were sung adding more colour and vibrato to the event.
Archbishop Emeritus Dr Oswald Gomis delivered a meaningful and enlightened Christmas message. He emphasised on initiating a positive change in society by first changing ourselves. He said this Christmas celebration should not be just a manifestation of something external, but rather a message for all to foster goodness and fraternity, trust and love one another, build comradeship and respect everyone; thereby to make the change in society we wish to see.
The carol service concluded with a Christmas medley where the audience too actively participated in singing the famous Christmas rhymes together with the choir.
- Ramalka Kasige