Bishop Francis Serrao SJ released Rev. Fr Nelson Dsouza’s liturgical musical audio in Kannada at Minor Basilica

Davanagere, Harihara, September 8, 2023: The audio launch of the much-awaited liturgical hymns ‘Swarga Sveekrutha Maatheya Balipuje’ (Mass in honour of our Lady of Assumption) was held at Minor Basilica of our Lady of Health in the Diocese of Shimoga on Friday, September 8th. 

Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao Sj, Bishop of the Diocese of Shimoga, released the liturgical hymns. Rev. Fr George K. A., Rector of Minor Basilica, Rev. Fr Franklin D’Souza, Parish Priest of Hiriyur,  Rev. Fr Pius D’Souza, Diocesan Youth Director, and Fr Venil Dsilva,  Mission Director of Harappanahalli, were present for the program. 

Bishop Francis Serrao SJ had given the imprimatur. Launching the audio, Bishop Francis Serrao SJ expressed the importance of mass and how singing can play an important role in liturgy.

The tune of the whole mass set, including the penitential rite, Gloria, Sanctus, profession of faith, and Lamb of God, was composed by Rev. Fr Nelson Dsouza for liturgical use. Harmony and music were done by renowned musician Mr. Cajetan Dias. Shilpa Cutinha, Joshal D’Souza, Hayden Sequeira, and Stephen Cutinha rendered their voices in the liturgical hymns. Mixing and mastering were done by Johnson Durai.

Rev. Fr Alphonse Nelson DSouza, a Priest of the Diocese of Shimoga, was ordained on April 27, 2016. He hails from St. Thomas Church, Davanagere. He completed his B.A. in Western Music at Sandesha, Mangalore. He obtained his Masters in Philosophy and Theology at St. Joseph’s Inter-Diocesan Seminary at Jeppu, Mangalore.

At present, he serves as Assistant Parish Priest of Our Lady of Assumption Church, Hiriyur, Chitradurga District, and as Head Master of Assumption English High School, Hiriyur. Since music is a gift from God, he spends time composing simple tunes for liturgical hymns. So that everyone can make use of them.

YouTube link of the Mass: