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St. Augustine says, “singing is praying twice.” Singing is a spiritual exercise that exposes to God the vibration of the heart. Hence, sufficient training is given to the seminarians in liturgical singing both in Tamil and English. Common liturgical singing practice for the students of theology is organized twice a week: Tuesdays 8.50 p.m. to 9.20 p.m. for Tamil and Fridays 8.50 p.m. to 9.20 p.m. English. The students of philosophy have liturgical singing practice for English on every Sunday from 11.45 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
In addition, classes are arranged for learning instruments and vocal singing. Key-board and guitar classes are arranged respectively twice a week. Training in vocal singing is also offered thrice a week. Basic notation is taught for the philosophy students and this course has been incorporated into the curriculum of the philosophy department. Giving chance to write and compose new liturgical hymns is sufficiently arranged. A special choir group for liturgical singing for different festive occasions encourages the active participation of the musically talented students. Thus the seminarians are very much involved in both practicing properly and singing gladly in the liturgical celebrations as well as in all other cultural events. |
