An idea of a one-of-a-kind music-centric service was instantaneously and passionately supported by its founding members and fellow musicians – Fr. Clement D’lima, (Late) Felix Flor, (Late) Raymond Albuquerque, Marie Paul, Ernest Flannigan, Michael Noronha, Ralph Xavier Pereira, Roland Fernandes and Wendel Daniels.
For over 14 years, the founding members have worked towards celebrating St Cecilia’s Feast (22 November) in a way most fitting to the patron saint of music and musicians. With the support of Fr. Clement D’lima, the then parish priest of St Anne’s Church in Pali Hill, Mumbai, the first-ever Mumbai Musicians Thanksgiving Mass was held on 22 November 2011 at St Anne’s Church.
This year, the much-awaited Mumbai Musicians Thanksgiving Mass will be held at Mount Carmel’s Church on 22 November 2023 at 5.30 pm and everyone’s welcome to join.
Join in Praise on 22 November
Year after year, the Mumbai Musicians Thanksgiving Mass sees musicians from across the vibrant city congregate to mark the special day and thank Him for blessing them with the sacred gift of music. During the hour-long Mass, hymns and harmony come together to praise the Lord for bestowing musicians with their life-enriching talents, and professional careers.
What makes this Eucharistic Celebration truly special is the active musical participation of every single attendee. Musicians and singers are encouraged to bring their instrument of choice and play from the pews during the service.
Over the last 13 years, this annual Mass has been held in churches across the city including St Anne’s Church, Bandra, St. Peter’s Church, Bandra, Vincent De Pallotti Church, Marol, and St. John the Evangelist, Church, Marol.
Give Glory
In 2019, the Mumbai Musicians Thanksgiving Mass at St. Peter’s Church, Bandra was filled to the brim with over 400 local musicians and their instruments. Even the priests concelebrating the Mass brought along their instruments. It was an unforgettable celebration where musicians, aged 7 to 70, played in perfect unison with grateful and praise-filled hearts. The sacred music resounded through the church asking for St Cecilia’s intercession.
In the spirit of fellowship, an after-Mass jam is held in the Pioneer Hall, thanks to the generosity of Tucky Curzai and family. The annual bonding get-together sees artists join in revelry through song and music. This local initiative has inspired musicians from Mumbai who have also moved abroad to organize similar events in their country of residence.
During the pandemic, the Mumbai Musicians Thanksgiving Mass was held online via St. Peter’s Church, Bandra’s YouTube Channel, and received over 3,000 views from around the world. The celebration didn’t stop there. The after-Mass Musicians Jam was held online too with artists from all over India and abroad joining in the socially distant revelry.
If you love music, please attend the Mumbai Musicians Thanksgiving Mass at Mount Carmel’s Church on 22nd November 2024 at 5.30 pm.
