15/08/2025
CHOIR CONCERT
The Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has commended Catholic choristers for their role in spreading the Gospel through music.
He gave the charge during the 2025 Kontagora Deanery Choir Conference, held at St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral, Kontagora, Niger State.
Speaking through the Vicar General and Cathedral Administrator, Very Rev. Fr. Musa John Gado, the Bishop welcomed nine parishes drawn from across the deanery, urging them to maintain good conduct throughout the three-day event. He prayed for a fruitful gathering and safe journeys back to their homes.
The conference, hosted by Christ the King Choir of St. Michael’s Cathedral, ran from the 7th to the 9th of August with the theme "Jikin Yesu da Dadi" — meaning "The Body of Jesus is Sweet."
The programme opened with a Holy Mass celebrated by Deanery Choir Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Mathew Stephen Kabirat, who reminded participants that as choristers, they pray twice when they sing. He encouraged them to let their lives be a testimony of the songs they perform.
Highlights included a compulsory mass song performance, optional cultural song presentations in Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Efik, Kambari, Kamuku, Dukkawa, Zuru, and Gbagyi languages, and a colourful display of traditional attires.
A talk delivered by Mrs. Grace Yahaya on the second day challenged young Christian women to embrace contentment, value true love over material gains, and be self-reliant.
Among the priests present were Rev. Fr. Fidelis Gaiya of St. Timothy Parish, Rev. Fr. Manasseh Terfa Iortyom of St. Joseph Quasi Parish Bangi, and Assistant Cathedral Administrator, Rev. Fr. Gilbert Mathew.
In the choir competition, St. Theresa’s Parish Galadima emerged overall winner, St. Joseph’s Parish Unguwan Zuru placed second, and St. Patrick’s Parish Kwangwara came third.
For the quiz contest, St. Patrick’s Parish Kwangwara took first position, St. Columba Chaplaincy Masuga second, and St. Peter’s Parish Bobi third.
The conference concluded with a thanksgiving Mass, the inauguration of new executives, and prayers for all choristers, business owners, and singles seeking life partners. Over 500 choristers attended, with organisers describing the event as both spiritually uplifting and a preparation ground for upcoming diocesan and national choir conferences.
The 2025 Kontagora Deanery Choir Conference ended on a note of unity, cultural pride, and renewed commitment to proclaiming the Gospel through song.
End......