By Sandra Ann Inbaraj
KUALA LUMPUR — For the first time, nearly 600 choir members and musicians from diverse language groups and parishes under the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur gathered at the Church of St Francis of Assisi (SFA) for a landmark programme, “Celebration of Choirs” themed Sacred Music – The Church’s Journey Through the Ages.
Held over two half-days on January 23 – 24, the programme was organised by the Archdiocesan Liturgy Commission (ALC) in collaboration with three language apostolates: the Archdiocesan Chinese Apostolate Committee (ACLAC), the Archdiocesan Tamil Apostolate Committee (ATLAC), and the Archdiocesan Bahasa Malaysia Apostolate (ABMA).
Participants were guided by speakers Fr Leonard Lexson, Fr Dominic Tan (English), Fr John Yoew (Mandarin), Fr Gnana Selvam Berentis (Tamil), and Spencer Klumai (BM), exploring the rich heritage of Church music from Gregorian chant to contemporary compositions.
In his keynote, delivered in English and translated into three other languages, Fr Leonard emphasised that “Music in the liturgy is not mere ornamentation; it is a means by which our identity as the Body of Christ is renewed.” He explained that sacred music draws the faithful into participation in the Paschal Mystery, leaving participants deeply moved: “We shape devotional prayers, but the prayers of the Mass shape us.”
Practical workshops in all four languages focused on vocal techniques, choir formation, posture, and diaphragmatic breathing, with participants reminded that choir ministry is about being “ministers of prayer”, not stage performers.
Fr Dominic further highlighted that choirs are called to “sing the Mass”, allowing the liturgy to be fully expressed through song. Sacred music must be holy, beautiful, solemn, and rooted in Church heritage, while choir members must serve with unity, harmony, and deep spiritual preparation. Choirs were encouraged to follow the General Instruction of the Roman Missal and use the 3rd edition of Sing Your Praise to God.
On the second day, Fr Leonard highlighted the Psalms — 150 Hebrew songs spanning Israel’s history. Integral to worship, Psalms serve as the prayer-book of the Bible, bridging the First Reading and Gospel, inviting meditation, and guiding the assembly deeper into Christ’s prayer. Psalmists, like choir members, proclaim the Word with clarity, reverence, and humility.
The programme culminated in a one-hour multilingual liturgical session, featuring Tamil, English, Mandarin, and BM choirs singing together. Hymns such as Priestly People, A Call to Christian Unity, and Holy God, We Praise Thy Name were rendered in four languages, with refrains sung together and verses in different tongues — a powerful testament to unity in diversity.
Over the two enriching days, participants rediscovered the beauty and heritage of sacred music and its vital role in the liturgy. More than improving their singing, they experienced growth in unity, formation, and ministry — learning to serve and glorify God with ‘one voice in harmony.’
As a concrete fruit of the gathering, Fr Leonard launched an “Entrance Hymn Composition” initiative, inviting choir groups to create new liturgical entrance hymns for a special programme in July 2026. Plans were also announced to form an archdiocesan choir to serve at major events, with members challenged by Archbishop Julian Leow to sing in three or four languages as a sign of unity and missionary witness.
The archbishop’s presence on the final day brought encouragement and inspiration as he expressed gratitude for the participants’ dedication, challenged them to serve with humility and unity, and concluded with a final blessing. The programme reaffirmed that choir members are bridges uniting God and His people, where diverse voices become one song of praise, giving the Church a foretaste of the heavenly liturgy.
