My God loves me :

Singing hymns in praise of God

By Ranga CHANDRARATHNE

A tree is recognised by its fruit- Bible, Matthew 12:33

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid...for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.- Bible, Deuteronomy

God's message is delivered through diverse means; it may be through books, devotees and in the digital era through electronic media such as television, internet and CDs. Popular hymns are one of the creative means of spreading the message of gold in a memorable manner.

Digital legacy

The compact disk entitled My God Loves Me by Fr. Angelo Wijewickrama OMI not only marks an important milestone in the religious profession of Fr. Wijewickrama but also makes an important contribution to digital legacy of spreading message of the god.

Fr. Angelo Wijewickrama

The CD My God Loves Me contains 16 popular hymns which have been sung at churches over the years.

However, a significant aspect of the hymns is that they are rendered in a manner which brings about a sublime effect on the listeners. Apart from Fr. Wijewickrama's insightful voice which virtually redefining the lyrics of the hymns, the CD My God Loves Me is a fitting tribute to God in celebrating Fr. Angelo Wijewickrama's 25 years ministry in the Congregation of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate omi.

Redefining popular hymns

A significant characteristic of Fr. Angelo's voice is that his deeply moving voice virtually redefines the lyrics of the hymns. For instance, in rendering his voice to the popular hymn Rugged Cross, Fr. Angelo has taken the listeners back to the Biblical Calvary or Golgotha where Jesus Christ was crucified. Golgotha was the site in the outskirts of the ancient Jerusalem.

The old rugged cross on a far away hill is a potent symbol which recalls the crucifixion of Jesus. According to the hymn, the old rugged cross serves as an emblem of suffering and shame on the part of the Jesus Christ to redeem the mankind of its original sin.

According to Christianity, a new covenant with blood was born with the crucifixion of Jesus. The hymn is sung to the soothing music of guitar and well-trained choir. The composition of choir music would make a sublime effect on the listeners rejoicing at this sacred moment in the history of Christianity.

The title hymn of the CD My God Loves me ! , is one of the moving hymns. Significant of the hymn is that it codifies one of the cardinal concepts of Christianity the abounding love of the god for the mankind. It is because of God's abounding love that he has send his only begotten son Jesus Christ to the world to redeem mankind of its original sings.

Hymn 'Makes me a channel of your peace' in a way symbolises dedicated ministry of a religious personality. In essence, the hymn is about a committed life to the God and to deliver his message to the masses.

Celebration

'Walk in the light' which is the concluding hymn in the CD is a celebration of the Lord. Throughout the CD, Fr. Angelo rendered his voice to the popular hymns in a most natural manner sporting his innate talents in singing.

Fr. Angelo commenced his music career while singing in St.Mary's Church choir.

He has composed lyrics and music for his cassette 'Arunalu' and has produced a couple of devotional CDs such as Dew Maw Bathi Gee 1 and 2. The CD was produced to celebrate Fr. Angelo Wijewickrama's 25th religious profession as an Oblate. Ave Maria and Maristella choirs are singing the choirs with Fr. Angelo.

Francis D'Almeida directed the hymns and young musician Ashen Fernando composed music for the CD. The first copy of the CD was presented to Very Rev. Fr. Rohan Silva OMI recently at De Mazenod House, Mattakkuliya.