Christmas Music by UAB enthrall Residents of Mother Teresa Home
“It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you…yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand. The coming of Jesus at Bethlehem brought joy to the world and to every human heart. may His coming this Christmas bring to each one of us that peace and joy that He desires to give”- Mother Teresa
Mangaluru: If Mother Teresa was alive and had visited one of her ‘Homes” on Sturrock Road- Mangaluru today, 24 December, she would been surprised and would have had her last laugh watching the vintage revelers (residents of Mother Teresa Home- Mangaluru) shaking their hips and body on the dance floor to the melodious music rendered by the ten piece “United Artists Band” (UAB), who gave a pre-Christmas musical entertainment to these lonely, less-fortunate young and seniors inmates.
Quoting Robert M Hensel, who once said, “We, the one’s who are challenged, need to be heard. To be seen not as a disability, but as a person who has, and will continue to bloom. To be seen not only as a handicap but as a well intact human being. Hard things are put in our way, not to stop us, but to call out our courage and strength. I have had this desire my whole life to prove people wrong, to show them I could do things they didn’t think I could do” – the members of United Artists Band (UAB) entertained the inmates of Mother Teresa Home with music and songs, thereby putting miles of smiles on their faces, and making a difference in a special way, during this joyous Christmas time.
They say that Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do… but how much love we put in that action. Joy is prayer; joy is strength: joy is love; joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. Extending their love and bringing joy into the old and the young people, these musicians who have been entertaining the elderly and the young through their songs and music, have now entertained the residents of Mother Teresa Home, which brought some Christmas joy and cheer among these less fortunate folks.
The UAB comprised of Harry D’Souza, Ian Lobo and Derick Furtado (Trumpet: Lead – 1st Voice – Soprano); Sohan Albuquerque (Trumpet: Rythm – 2nd Voice – Alto; Ms. Jennifer Lobo (Ephonium); Rony D’Souza (Side Drum), Stany D’Souza (Rythm Section ( Sound ) Base Drum); Felix Sequeira (Tambourine); Olvin Pais (Cymbals); Reuben Machado (Flute and Box Rhythm Guitar); Condrad Mascarenhas (Electronic Rhythm Guitar); and Boniface Mascarenhas (Crooner). Apart from the music played by these band members, guest appearance by Boniface Mascarenhas, who has come down from the Gulf enthralled the crowd with his Konkani, Kannada and Baila songs.
“Lo! Behold, as the season of Joy and Happiness, closes in, the spirit of youth and fervour emanates from the heart of every living soul.”- The joy and spirit of Christmas came a day early for a few lonely elderly and sick at Mother Teresa Home, when they were surprised with a musical Christmas Treat by UAB. The harmony and exuberance of these musicians are always a pleasure to listen to. It’s time to deck the hall with boughs of holly! Yes, the intention is to put that song in your head, because it’s a day before Christmas!
And generally, senior citizens or the ailing are not in a state to come out of their house, these musicians go to their homes and make them happy.
These band members of UAB prioritise old age homes, orphanages and unwell folk because Christmas is a time to share and care – If they can’t come to church, these musicians take the church to them- singing songs of Birth of Jesus Christ. Playing music and singing for the ailing persons and the elderly will surely give these musicians a sense of joy because it will definitely make them all. What enlivens the mood is when a group of young and old pops up at the door and begin dancing- and that makes a difference in one’s life during this festive season.
One thing for sure, there was the element of surprise, followed by expressions of gratitude from the MTH residents, when these musicians and singers enthralled them. It is necessary to make a difference to the society, especially during the time of “Christmas Sharing and Giving” by visiting homes of senior citizens, sick or orphans with love and care. It was just an amazing experience for these musicians when they performed for the elders/sick, and many of them joined in singing with them, and some got up and danced. Combine that with the fact that they were songs/music about the birth of Jesus, which are songs that are special to friends and family- What a marvellous feeling in that arena! For these musicians of UAB, it is not just about having fun but it’s also about bringing a smile on people’s faces. And they did the right thing in making these bevies of females happy and cheerful.
Sohan Albuquerque welcomed the gathering, and FM Lobo briefed about the meaning of Christmas, while grandson of FM Lobo who had come down from Bengaluru for Christmas also sang a Christmas carol for the audience. There is no age limit when you are capable of having some fun and want to party- even senior citizens know how to party hard and have fun and frolic. Imagine an old lady in her eighties swinging her body to the Baila tune, and a couple other grandmas lifting their legs and shaking their hips to the “Ami Dogi Sezari” Konkani baila number, will surely put the youngsters in shame. Everyone had a good time to mark the birthday of Jesus Christ, ad thanks to UAB members for spreading and bringing the spirit of Christmas through music and dance, and for making these “Special People” of MTH happy and Cheerful. Merry Christmas!