St. Peter and St. Paul Parish, Pynthorumkhrah, July 5: The Sts. Peter & Paul Choir of St. Peter and St. Paul Parish, Pynthorumkhrah, celebrated its annual patronal day on Saturday with a solemn Holy Mass, highlighting the choir’s enduring commitment to serving God through sacred music and strengthening the spiritual life of the parish.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Laurence L. Nongkseh, who commended the choir members for their faithful service and encouraged them to continue using their gift of music as a form of prayer and evangelisation.

During the Mass, the choir enriched the liturgy with sacred hymns, reflecting their faith, dedication and commitment to their ministry. The parish also expressed gratitude to the choir members for their tireless service, noting that their contribution has played a significant role in nurturing the spiritual life of the parish community.

In his homily, Fr. Laurence reminded the faithful that the true essence of singing in the Church lies not in musical excellence but in offering heartfelt praise to God.

“One does not need to be an expert singer to sing for God. What matters is to sing with a humble heart and with fear and reverence for the Lord,” he said.

He emphasised that the choir’s ministry extends beyond music, describing it as a means of proclaiming the Gospel through song. He urged choir members to remain steadfast in their faith, dedicated in their service, and exemplary in their Christian lives.

The celebration also served as an occasion to strengthen unity, fellowship and commitment among choir members as they renewed their shared mission of serving God through music.

According to the choir’s history, it was originally known as the St. Joseph Choir. Following the establishment of Pynthorumkhrah Parish in 1997, it was renamed the Sts. Peter & Paul Choir in honour of the parish’s patron saints. The parish itself was founded by Italian missionary Rev. Fr. Peter Schiavon.

Each year, the parish celebrates the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29, commemorating the lives, witness and sacrifices of the two Apostles who played a pivotal role in spreading the Gospel across the world.

According to Catholic tradition, Saints Peter and Paul were martyred in Rome during the persecution under Emperor Nero between AD 64 and 67. Saint Peter is venerated as the first Pope of the Catholic Church, while Saint Paul, formerly known as Saul, became one of Christianity’s greatest missionaries after his conversion on the road to Damascus.

The celebration concluded with prayers and fellowship among the faithful, reflecting their gratitude to God and reaffirming their commitment to follow the inspiring example of Saints Peter and Paul through lives of faith, service and devotion.