Joyful Echoes released
Dimapur, May 10 (MExN): A Christian devotional song book ‘Joyful Echoes’ was released on May 9 by Rev Fr P J Thomas, Parish Priest of Holy Cross, at Bishop’s House Dimapur.
Joyful Echoes is a collection of some 300 popular Christian songs for all seasons. It was compiled by Rev Fr Benjamin Chang, the Assistant Priest of St Peter’s Parish, Kiphire Town.
During the introduction, Fr Benjamin informed that it took him almost three years to collect all the songs and compile it into a book format. This is his first attempt and no distinction is made between choirs, congregational or young youth’s hymns, he said.
He expressed his gratitude to all the people who supported him in taking up this venture He informed that, most of the tunes and notations of the songs are already in YouTube and he will also be uploading the songs which are not in YouTube gradually.
Speaking on the occasion, Rev Fr C P Anto, the Director of Peace Channel congratulated and encouraged Fr Benjamin for his hard work and accomplishment as a young priest. He also encouraged him to add more Ecumenical Hymns, so that it can be used by all churches and could help people to grow spiritually and closure to God.
While releasing the Hymn Book, Rev. Fr. P.J. Thomas, congratulated and expressed his gratitude to Rev. Fr. Benjamin Chang for compiling the songs. He said that the Diocese of Kohima has just one hymn book and ‘Joyful Echoes’ will supplement the existing ‘All you Hills.’
He reminded the gathering that the month of May is the month of Mother Mary, dedicated to all the Mothers. So it is fitting to dedicate this hymn book to all the mothers, he said.
He wished the Christian families to pass on the traditional and gospel values from generation to generation through singing these hymns.
The song book is Rs 100 and will be made available in Bishop’s House Dimapur, Pastoral Center at Holy Cross Campus Dimapur, St Xavier’s Parish Meluri, St Peter’s Parish Kiphire, St Thomas Church Tuensang. For other details, one can contact 8974520704.
