Jinja, Uganda – On Easter Monday, a vibrant celebration of music, faith, and community unfolded as Holy Cross Lake View Senior Secondary School Wanyange – jinja hosted its much-anticipated Easter Concert, led by the school’s highly esteemed choir, the Holy Cross Anchors, in collaboration with the Catholic Centenary Memorial Choir (CACEMCHO) from Christ the King Parish, Kampala.
The day began with a spiritually enriching Easter Mass, celebrated at Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S in the renown Brother Andre Hall. The Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Ssali Robert, C.S.C., and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Olobo Leonard, C.S.C., Rev. Fr. Douglas Alinaitwe, C.S.C., Rev. Fr. Kajubi Henry Ssenteza, C.S.C., and Deacon Bwanandeke Matayo, C.S.C. The liturgy was animated with heartfelt music by The Holy Cross Anchors and CACEMCHO, uplifting the congregation with a harmonious blend of voices.
During his homily, Deacon Matayo emphasized the core of the Catholic faith: the Resurrection. “Resurrection is the epitome of our faith, and it is the reason we gather here today,” he preached. He urged the faithful to witness to the message of Easter through their actions and words, adding,“Let us learn to let the truth be and continue spreading the Gospel that Jesus is the resurrection. The resurrection is a sign of light by living true Christian values, telling the truth, and bringing hope to the hopeless, we share this light with others.”
The Mass culminated with a powerful rendition of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, jointly performed by the two choirs, setting a jubilant tone for the concert ahead.
A Celebration of Song at Jinja City Hall
The Easter Concert, themed “Rejoice, He is Risen,” continued at Jinja City Hall, drawing a large and enthusiastic audience. The event opened with a prayer, invoking God’s guidance and blessing over the day’s performances.
The first session featured The Holy Cross Anchors, whose spirited and joyful presentation that reflected the values and the deep devotion to Holy Cross Education to the work of resurrection connecting it to the Easter joy of resurrection. Their performance was followed by powerful sets from Divine Worship Chorale and St. Peter’s Choir Masese each offering a unique musical witness to the risen Lord.
CACEMCHO took the stage dressed in traditional Baganda attire, Gomesi for the women and Kanzu for the men offering an elegant and culturally rich performance that captivated the crowd. Their angelic harmonies and dynamic stage presence drew admiration and applause.
Words of Gratitude and Unity
The event also included brief speeches from the choirs’ directors. Mr. Zirimenya Michael Jjumba, director of The Holy Cross Anchors, who expressed heartfelt thanks to the audience for their support. Mr. Kasasa Peterson, chairperson of CACEMCHO, shared a brief history of the choir and presented a commemorative flash drive containing selections from CACEMCHO’s 2023 concert.
The second session saw more soul-stirring performances from Divine Worship Chorale, St. Peter’s Choir Masese, and encore presentations from The Holy Cross Anchors and CACEMCHO. Guest choir directors also addressed the audience, extending gratitude for the opportunity to share in the sacred joy of Easter through music.
Honoring Talent, Community, and Faith
Rev. Fr. Prosper Atukwatse, C.S.C., Headteacher of Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S, thanked the organizing team, emphasizing the importance of using such events to give back to the community. “This is one way of giving back to the community,” he remarked. “We look forward to hosting even more concerts in the future.” He also added that the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross blessed Basil Moreau defined education as an art of helping young people to reach completeness and said as Holy Cross Lake View, we help young people to reach completeness through nurturing their talents through activities such as this music concert.
The concert concluded with a third and final session in which all four choirs united once again for a breathtaking finale. The combined voices soared through the hall as they led the congregation in a resounding reprise of the Hallelujah Chorus, bringing the event to a joyous and memorable close.
Rev. Fr. Douglas Alinaitwe, C.S.C., school chaplain, offered the final blessing, praying for journey mercies upon all attendees traveling near and far.
Music as Ministry in Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S
Just as St. Augustine’s famous quote, “He who sings, prays twice,” encapsulates the belief; singing enhances prayer by adding a physical and emotional dimension to the act of praising God. Singing, with its melodies and rhythms, elevates the spirit and expresses joy, making it a more complete and fervent form of worship and ministry which we believe is a perfect way to celebrate the resurrection.
More than just a musical event, the Easter Concert served as a platform for spiritual reflection and community outreach. Through music, the participating choirs drew the audience closer to God and gave students an opportunity to nurture their talents thus our goal of teaching hearts. Touching Minds and Transforming lives to develop well-rounded citizens committed to faith, service, building the nation and the Kingdom of God.
Important to note is today April 21, 2025 was a sad day as we observed a moment of silence to mourn the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis whose profound spiritual leadership and compassionate service have shaped the church and our world. We came together in prayer, seeking solace and strength praying for the eternal repose of his soul following the Vatican News Announcement today at 9:45 AM, Roman time by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo telling the world about the death of our Holy Father Pope Francis. May his journey to the Lord be guided by the grace and mercy he so generously shared. Listen to the full concert on our Youtube Channel
He is risen Alleluia Alleluia – Ave Crux Spes Unica – Education for Service
Immaculate Kisembo
Catholic Community Patron
Holy Cross lake View S.S.S Wanyange – Jinja
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