Christ the King Cathedral marks 2014 xmas concert

BY KENNETH JUDE

For parishioners of Christ  the King Cathedral, Parish Uyo, Monday 22nd December, 2014 remains a day they won’t forget in a hurry. It was a day they gathered in their numbers alongside those from other denominations to render carols in one accord as part of activities to mark the Christmas season.

The glitz, glamour and panoply of the yuletide season was in full blast in the legendary cathedral where churches comprising those of the Pentecostal fold and protestant stock turned out in their best bib and tucker to add colour and élan to the ceremony. The premises of the church was beautifully decorated with Christmas overlays and lightings of different shapes, sizes and colours twinkling with vigorous verve and zest to keep the arena aglow all night long with life. As guests made their way into the expansive church compound, a big banner announcing the program for the day welcomed every one.

Everything on the day depicted class as meticulous attention was paid to every detail without fail. Everything was orderly even as guests were given VIP treat by a bevy of gaily dressed ushers who were on hand to lead them to their seats with trained civility. Nothing on the day was in short supply including some chewable stuff and drinks as everyone had their fill and salivated for more. People from different parts of the world trooped in in torrents to savour the panache and grandeur of the occasion. Excitement and feelings of unrestrained ecstasy was at its apogee as it was fully felt and practically touched by all. Joviality and conviviality was palpable all over the place. It was indeed a gathering to celebrate the King of Kings who came to rescue mankind from the tight grip of sin and waywardness into eternal heavenly bliss where one is sure to be liberated from the trials and tribulations of the world.

It was a gathering to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ and once more solidify His place in the lives of Christians and those who believe in His teachings and follow His ways and dogma religiously. The day was a summation of genuine sanctimony and glory where Christians came together under one umbrella to commune in a no-holds-barred manner.

The event which was slated for 6pm did not commence until some minutes past 6 where preliminary commentary on the essence of the occasion was espoused by Mr. Idiongo Ebong, who was one of the master of ceremonies (MC) for the festivity alongside, Patrick Ekuwem and Kenneth Jude. The entire choir that was present sung in unison, the congregational carol (kop nte mme Angel) which was preceded by the opening prayer led by the Cathedral administrator, Very. Rev. Fr. Ephraim Asanausung.

In his welcome speech, Fr. Asanausung thanked everyone for turning up for the exercise especially guests who came in from long distances to share in the joy of the day. He urged all to use the season for reconciliation and express genuine love to one another so that the import of the season will fully sink into their lives. As the night wore on, it was time for carol presentations. First to present on the night was the children’s choir of the parish who thrilled guests’ with their sonorous and mellifluous voices which blended in one accord as they sang with passion, different carols to keep the audience asking for more. Clad in all white attire with a touch of red and Christmas headgears to match, the effervescent kids left no one in doubt that they were, indeed, ready for the momentous celebration. They did not only live up to their billing but surpassed expectations. Next to perform was Mr. Norbert Ekpenyong who kept guests on the bedge of their seats with a near-perfect poetry drama sketch. Those who hitherto doubted his ability to nick it on the biog stage only ate their words following what many described as a classic performance by the 2014 Mr. Philosophy of the University of Uyo and co.

Following in quick succession were the readings, christened (nine lessons) which were carefully selected to align with the mood and texture of the ceremony. The readings were intermittently punctuated by carols where the different choir groups took their turns to render diverse carols to add spice and bloom to the well attended event. At a point, the church building literally cracked when the All Saints choir from Anua had their turn.  Their crimson and well fitted red uniform glowed in proportion to their fluid voices. 

They sang with so much passion and éclat that they nearly brought down the heavens. They left everyone in awe with their spirit-filled and highly charged presentation. They electrified the atmosphere with the precision and proficiency with which they sang so much that they drew a prolonged round of applause from the bewildered audience. Their choir master was the cynosure of all eyes with his mastery of his art and the exceptional manner with which he conducted proceedings. Even the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Uyo, Most Rev. Dr. John Ebebe Ayah who was present along with other clergy men could not let the cerebral choirmaster go without a warm handshake. In his presentation, Rev. Fr. Louis-Abasi Edet who was the chairman of the central planning committee showed why many reckon him as a genius as far as the singing ministry is concerned. Little wonder the deafening clap ovations that punctuated his presentation. It was indeed a beauty to behold as the two years’ old priest lent credence to the widely held opinion that he would have still made fortunes from singing had he not been a priest. 

The good-looking clergyman, recently in an interview with this paper posited that being a priest has not limited him in any capacity, but rather, noted that it has further shot him a notch-higher to meet his targets in life.

In his Christmas message, the Local Ordinary of the Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. John Ebebe Ayah admonished Christians to remain faithful and committed to the things of God while shunning vices that may strain their relationship with God. He added that the Christmas season is a time to show love to all and sundry and share with those in need and not turning a blind eye to their plight. He called on the faithful to be steadfast and tap fully into the essence of the season which he noted bothers on love and brotherliness. 

The highpoint of the night was the singing competition which had St. Joseph’s, St. Augustine’s and St. Cecilia’s choirs participating. The three choir groups gave a good account of themselves but at the end of it all, the judges for the day, Dr. Isaac Udoh and Sister Clara Ikpe, having followed all the presentations with rapt attention,  adjudged St. Joseph’s choir as winners while St. Augustine and St. Cecilia’s choirs came second and third respectively. It was the second year in the running that St. Joseph’s choir took the ultimate prize. Their joy knew no bound yet again as they emerged 2014 champions. They were presented with a trophy and cash prizes.

In his closing remark, the Chaplain, Liturgical affairs of the parish and planning committee chairman, Rev. Fr. Louis-Abasi Edet expressed appreciation to God and poured encomiums on those who contributed in various ways to the success of the concert. He prayed God to keep them in good health of mind and body even as he wished all a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. As the day winded down, the Alleluia chorus was sung by all the choir present in a manner that even the Angels reveled in ecstasy. Fr. Louis-Abasi Edet took the benediction as he bade everyone farewell after a fun-filled night out at the imposing cathedral, parish.

The roll call of dignitaries included: the state Chief Judge, Justice Idongesit Ntem Isua, his spouse Engr. Anthony Isua; Mr. Roland Onofiok; Dr. Michael Nnamseh; Dr. Fabian Essiet, Fr. Benedict Iwatt; Mrs. Uduak Udofot; Mr. Aloysius Umosen, among others.