The Vatican Ambassador pays a glowing tribute to The Exceptional Performance of the Bridgetine Choir

“I’ve seen many carol services around the country and around the world, but the Choir of 
St. Bridget’s is unique and special and by far the best I’ve ever seen.” These were the words used by the current Apostolic Nuncio in Sri Lanka Archbishop Brian Udaigwe to describe his experience when he graced the Bridgetine Carol Service recently.

It certainly wasn’t an exaggeration as the Bridgetines put up what can only be described as an exceptional performance! Under the theme of “Christ be our Light” the Bridgetine Carol Service 2022 took place in the St. Bridget’s Convent auditorium after a lapse of almost 3 years owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. They certainly made up for that lapse and showed they still got it by putting on a truly spectacular show! We were welcomed by the Deputy Choir Leader Shanelli Wickramasinghe and the evening commenced with the soothing music of “O come O come Emmanuel” which was then followed by the bidding prayer led by the Principal Rev. Sr. Jeewani Martinus.

What followed was truly the epitome of caroling excellence! The well-trained choristers sunk into perfect harmony as they serenaded the audience gathered there with well-known Christmas specials like “Once in Royal David’s City” “Ave Maria” “Joy to you O Virgin Mary” and the “Hymn to St. Joseph.” The audience was guided through the journey of the birth of Christ giving thanks to the Virgin Mother and St. Joseph. It was truly a mesmerising experience.

There was also a Sinhala and a Tamil carol each followed up by one of my personal favourites, “Do you hear what I hear” for which the solos were beautifully performed by Chenuli Wijeyanama and Kithara Gooneratne. We were led into the Homily by the Apostolic Nuncio in Sri Lanka, Archbishop Brian Udaigwe who delivered a memorable and meaningful Christmas message asking those of us in the audience to open our hearts and be glass vessels that receive the light of Christ! It was also during the homily that he paid such glowing tribute to the exceptional performance rendered by the Bridgetines. Following the Homily, the senior choir took the stage to perform a set of well-loved carols. 

The acapella version of the “Carol of the Bells” was certainly one of my personal favourites that night! “O little town”, “O Holy Night” “Hark the Angels” and Angels Sing Glory” were some of the other carols that were performed. The Choir also took the liberty of performing a special Nigerian Carol that was dedicated to the Apostolic Nuncio Brian Udaigwe who was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Orlu, Nigeria. A popular song in choir repertoires, “Betelehemu” is a Yoruba Christmas carol by the Grammy-nominated drummer Babatunde Olatunji, arranged by Wendell P. Whalum. It had a beautiful melody and certainly added a spark of variety to the night!

The vote of thanks was delivered by Krishma Linton, the Choir Leader, following which the final carols for the evening “Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Silent Night” was performed. The Choir was trained and Directed by Priyanthi Seneviratne Van Dort who has been in charge of the Bridgetine Choir for the past 14 years. The service was undoubtedly a culmination of years of hard work and training and Priyanthi was certainly an integral part of that journey. All in all, it was a one-of-a-kind experience and everyone who was there was certainly glad to have been there to experience it!