On the eve of Christmas, 24th of December 2015, the pews of the Church of Divine Mercy, Penang (CDM) were were filled with people all anticipating the special event of the night, the CDM Cantata.

This joyous celebration was animated by the Youth Choir of CDM, led Youth leaders, Brendan Lo Rick and Aundrey Silas Ansel. After weeks of hard work and practice, the Youth exhibited their talents by singing songs which included Feliz Navidad and O Holy Night. There was also an innovative mashup of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and O Come Emmanuel. Then a contemporary dance was performed to the music of One number – We Are The Reason made famous by the group Avalon.

Fr Martin Arlando, the parish priest of CDM commented that  “It was good, different.” He added that “The Youths participated well and showed that they were vibrant. They really brought Jesus to the people.” A spectator of the performance, Derek Augustin remarked that “The dancing was very good.” Some others commented that the perspective of the Youth was noticed in the cantata and gave everyone a new understanding to their meaning of Christmas. Fr Martin also added that they can make it even grander next year. Augustin also said that it would be good to see different perspectives each year.

Written by

Hannah Rose Lee

Youth of CDM, Penang