Fr. Sunny Memorial Church Choir Competition, was held on 2nd September 2019 at Mahakavi Kalidas Natya Mandir, Mulund. The annual Church Choir Competition was announced in the last week of July, following a Choir Masters’ Meet, which was held in the presence of all he choirmasters across the Eparchy of Kalyan, to design and strategize the competitions and its rules and regulations. This year, the diocese witnessed the 27th year of the competitions which was held in remembrance of the demised priest, Late Rev. Fr. Sunny Anikuzhikattil of Pune Forane. The event was hosted by the Kalyan Eparchy Youth, under the able guidance of Director, Rev. Fr. Dr. George Vattamattom and Asst. Director, Rev. Fr. Jobymon Jose.
30 parishes from across the diocese participated in the competitions, with much enthusiasm and zeal. The competition commenced at 10:30 am with registration, followed by a choirmasters’ meet and the inaugural ceremony. The competition was judged by renowned Music Composer, Mr. Jerome Thomas Veleeparambil, alias Jerry Amaldev, playback singer Mrs. Mithila Michael, Akashvani grade A artist and renowned Octopad Player, Mr. Jissmon V M, and Rev. Fr. Biju Mannamcheril.
As the competitions winded, the dais was opened to the performance by the Kalyan Eparchy Youth Dance Crew, more commonly known as KEY Dance Crew. Following the dance performance, the audience was engaged by the performance of Mrs. Mithila Michael, one of the judges, who rendered a few of her devotional hits for the viewers. Soon after the performances, the Kalyan Eparchy Youth’s Annual Report was presented and the Choir Masters were felicitated by Mr. Jerry Amaldev.
On a concluding note, His Lordship Bishop Mar Thomas Elavanal felicitated the outgoing Asst. Director, Rev. Fr. Sinto Pulikottil and the former animators, Mr. Sajesh Abraham, and Mrs. Priya Sajesh. The current Asst. Director, Rev. Fr. Jobymon Jose further proposed the vote of thanks. As the address came to an end, Director, Rev. Fr. George Vattamattom declared the results, in accord to which, following parishes won the acknowledgment respectively:
1. Carmel Parish, Vadgaonsheri (Pune Forane)
2. St. Thomas Forane Church, Borivali (Borivali Forane)
3. Immaculate Conception Church, Dombivali (Kalyan Forane)
4. St. George Forane Church, Panvel (Panvel Forane)
5. San Jose Church, Wagle Estate (Thane Forane)
