(ANS – Lisbon) – On 17 December the Musicentre, school of music of the “Oficinas de San José” Salesian Institute in Lisbon, dedicated a concert to Archbishop Rino Passigato, Nuncio Apostolic in Portugal, held in the Palace of the Nunciature, in the presence of staff and pupils.

There were a number of items on the programme appropriate to Christmas  with traditional songs and classical music. The group of the youngest children sang with violin accompaniment: “Little Star”, “The snow falls”, “Jingle Bells” and “The First Noel.” Then three young violinists played “Adagio for a Church Sonata n. XV” and a young talented pianist performed “Nocturn 9, n° 2” by Frédéric Chopin.

Finally two students and a staff choir sang five traditional Portuguese Christmas Carols, to the appreciative and warm applause of all those present.

The Nuncio Apostolic, Archbishop Passigato then closed the proceedings with words of thanks to the staff and especially the students whom he encouraged to preserve the beauty of music and love as constant expressions in their personal lives.

The students and staff from the Musicentre were accompanied by the Salesian community led by the Provincial Fr Artur Pereira, who was happy to be associated with this mark of respect for the Nuncio Apostolic. Fr Pereira also recalled the advice of Don Bosco “to teach the young respect and veneration for the Holy Father, or, as on this occasion, his representative in Portugal.”

After every concert the members of the Musicentre set themselves a new target, so that when they have received the applause they can aim for a new challenge on the next occasion. “To play new pieces and to improve their quality” was the suggestion of one of the teachers.

Published 28/12/2011