By Bob Ho
KUALA LUMPUR — Love resonates in flawless unity to magnify the glory of God, propelling the devoted congregation of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist towards greater efforts to realise their cherished aspiration: the Magnificat, a beacon of their visionary community centre.
The bountiful results of the Parish Integral Human Development Ministry (PIHDM) was evident during the benefit musical, In Perfect Harmony Too. The event showcased musical talents and stood as a testament to the labour of love poured into the endeavour to support the Magnificat project.
The musical tribute to the popular songs that “tug at our heartstrings since Merdeka” by Dama Asia electrified the audience in the 662- seat hall of the PJPAC on August 5. It played to a full house. PIHDM also hosted the Montfort Boys Town residents and staff, as well as migrants and refugees.
For Cheryl Rita Lock, it was a “truly energetic and thrilling musical performance that captivated the audience”. The brilliant band musicians added more rhythm and jive to the evening, she quipped.
Magnificat building committee chairman, Selvanathan Sargunam, felt the energy too. “It is giving us a fresh impetus to go all out, again and again, to work for God’s vineyard.”
Indeed, it was a night that gave life to William Shakespeare’s quote from the Twelfth Night, “If music be the food of love, play on.” The energetic performance captivated the audience, including Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Wojciech Zaluski, Archbishop Julian Leow and the clergy. Mesmerised, they could not resist singing along and clapping.
Many Sabahans, cajoled by the performers, took to the stage, dancing to the medley of Sabahan hits, Jambatan Tamparuli and Anak Kampung. When it came to the upbeat Bekikis Bulu Betis, the Sarawakians from the floor ruled the stage. The Church of St Francis Xavier’s assistant priest, Fr Alvin Ng, was a natural at leading them in the poco-poco dance.
PIHDM volunteer Irene Ramachandran rated the musical a “resounding success”, attributing it to the songs, dancing, quality production, smiles, cheering and spontaneous audience participation. Irene, too, was on stage for a role play with two actor-musicians squabbling and serenading Ed Sheeran’s Perfect to win her heart.
Parish priest, Fr Gerard Theraviam, thanked the donors and the PIHDM members for their tireless efforts in fundraising, particularly Gloria Bon for her stewardship. PIHDM coordinator, Mary Teoh, praised everyone for an enthusiastic united front for the glory of God.
The RM16 million Magnificat will house a chapel, a conference hall seating 600, meeting rooms, parish offices, a funeral parlour, children’s catechism classrooms, a grotto, a cafeteria, PIHDM programmes and dormitories. The Magnificat is designed to fulfill the parish’s pastoral needs for the next 40 years.
The cathedral recently raised RM1 million for the Magnificat. It needs another RM4 million. The musical was one of several fundraising activities, including donations, T-shirt and umbrella sales, Fam Day Fiesta on June 18, and buy a brick at RM10 each.
And more activities are underway, including a hint from Fr Gerard telling donors to keep Oct 21 free because “I want to have dinner with you”.
The final gig before the encore was the 1985 Mandarin charity hit, Tomorrow Will Be Better. Indeed, it will when we strive to “above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony”.
