A joyful, moving and uplifting atmosphere was experienced in our packed church on Sunday evening, 14th December 2025, when we held our first ever ‘International Carol Concert.’ It was a magnificent celebration of the rich cultural tapestry that makes our parish so vibrant and unique. Concert organisers Loretta De Silva (Liturgy and Worship Ministry) and Valerie Strange (Ministry Lead for Culture and Diversity and Safeguarding) tell us more below:
Loretta reports:
What a memorable night!
Each year we have had a carol concert at OLSD and were entertained by a visiting choir. When I found out that they were unable to make it this year I came up with the idea we should have an International carol concert within our parish community. This seemed a great idea but I realised that it would take some organising. This was when Valerie stepped up to the plate and offered to join me to take this idea forward. I am so pleased to say we did it.
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the carol concert. Each group sung in different languages and it reminds us what music can do to bring everyone together. Your dedication and talent made the event truly special. We appreciate all the effort and enthusiasm you brought to the performance.
Our sincere thanks goes to Fr Anthony for his continuous support and for all those who worked behind the scenes: Jo, Martin and Johann for playing the organ. The Vocal Point Choir contribution added an extra dimension to the evening and a big thank you goes out to them. Not forgetting a special thanks to Sharon and the social team for treating us with mince pies and mulled wine at the end of concert.
Thank you once again for making this concert so special.
May the good Lord bless you and your families during this Christmas period.
Valerie reports:
This year, we did things a little differently. Instead of inviting a guest choir, we brought together our own OLSD choir members, parishioners, families, and cultural groups to share the joy of Christmas in their own languages and traditions. We listened to ten beautiful carols, each presented by a different parish family or group, reflecting the many cultures within our community.
And as a special treat, members of last year’s guest choir, Vocal Point, joined us. Although the choir has disbanded, they got together specially to prepare and perform a carol in English with a Ukrainian twist, because Christmas is all about hope and harmony.
Alongside the carols, there were readings and, of course, several traditional English carols to bring us all together.
A retiring collection was made in aid of the Salesian Mission in the Holy Land, our Parish’s Christmas Gift and we thank all who attended for their amazing generosity.
Fr Anthony’s Thank You Message:
Loving and Gracious God, our Father and Mother,
Tonight, we have gathered to honour Your Son, our Baby Jesus, as one OLSD parish family, drawn from many nations, united by music and the joy of this holy season. Siamo una sola famiglia in Te — we are one family in You. We have witnessed a beautiful tapestry of voices, cultures, and hearts woven together in harmony.
Thank You for the voices that have sung, the hands that have played, and the hearts that have shared their gifts so generously. Each carol, sung in many languages, reminds us that Your love knows no borders. Obrigado, Gracias Senhor, Ndatenda, Asante sana, Mungu -thank You for music that speaks beyond words and unites us all.
As the song says, “When a child is born, each life becomes the sun, shining bright on everyone.” May the birth of Jesus renew our hearts, giving us eyes to see Your love in every small act of kindness, and hands ready to share Your joy with the world.
We give heartfelt thanks for every singer, musician, and reader, and for all who worked behind the scenes, Valerie and Loretta, Martin, Jo and Johann, for their dedication and generosity. We thank our Diversity and Culture Ministry, our Liturgy and Music Ministry, and Sharon with the Social Team, for their warmth and welcome. Dank u wel for building a community of warmth, welcome, and belonging.
Bless every person and child here tonight. May the PEACE we share – Shalom, pokój, kapayapaan, Amani, Runyaro, Frieden, pokoj, paix, සාමය, saa-ma-ya, സമാധാനം sa-maa-dhaa-nam, fill our homes and guide our lives. As we leave, let the melodies linger in our hearts, reminding us that we are united in Your love.
May our voices rise like prayers of peace, carrying hope to every corner of the world. And as the song reminds us, “Every heart that’s searching will find a place, a home where love lights up the darkest space.”
