Hymn book 'Joyful Echoes' dedicated to mothers

Dimapur, May 10 (EMN): A Christian devotional song book titled “Joyful Echoes” was released on May 9 by Rev. Fr. PJ 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 compiled by Rev. Fr. Benjamin Chang, assistant priest of St. Peter’s Parish, Kiphire town, an update from Bishop's House, Dimapur stated.

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Releasing the hymn book, Rev. Fr. PJ Thomas congratulated Rev. Fr. Benjamin Chang for the sacrifice in compiling the songs. As diocese of Kohima has just one hymn book, he stated that “Joyful Echoes” would supplement the existing “All you Hills.”

Reminding the gathering that the month of May is the month of ‘Mother Mary’-- a month dedicated to all the mothers-- Rev. Fr. Thomas said it is most fitting to dedicate the hymn book to all the mothers.

He dedicated the hymn book to the mothers and wished that the holiness and presence of God be in their homes through the singing of hymns and psalms. He wished the Christian families to pass on the traditional and gospel values from generation to generation through singing those hymns.

During introduction, Fr. Benjamin stated that it took him almost three years to collect all the songs and compile it into a book format. As it was his first attempt, Fr. Benjamin stated that he did make any distinction between choirs, congregational or young youth hymns.

He has thanked Rev. Fr. Jose Lukose, parish priest of St. Xavier Parish, Meluri town, and Rev. Fr. Joe Mariadhas, parish priest of St. Peter’s Parish, Kiphire town, for their supports in taking up the venture. With only 1500 printed copies, he informed that more than 1000 copies are already booked by different churches, communities and families. He further informed that most of the tunes and notations of the songs are already in Youtube and planned to gradually upload the songs which are not on Youtube.

Speaking on the occasion, Rev. Fr. CP Anto, director of Peace Channel, expressed that so many people have turned back to God especially during this pandemic time and are now singing and praying together at homes. He 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 could be used by all churches and help people to grow spiritually and closure to God.

Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Benjamin thanked Rev. Fr. Sabu, director of Pastoral Centre, Dimapur, for making all arrangements for the release. He also thanked Rev. Fr. John Poji for blessing the hymn book during the Holy Mass.

Priced at INR 100, the hymn book would be available at Bishop’s House, Dimapur; Pastoral Centre at Holy Cross campus, Dimapur; St. Xavier’s Parish, Meluri; St. Peter’s Parish, Kiphire; and St. Thomas Church, Tuensang.