For many years now, the parish of St. Peter the Apostle in Kaštel Novi has traditionally held a Christmas concert of the mixed parish choir in an atmosphere of Christmas joy and togetherness. However, this year's concert was more than just a beautiful musical encounter - it was a historic moment, deeply rooted in the memory of a community and in the longevity of a song that has not stopped praying for centuries.
Namely, the singers of the parish choir from Kaštel Novi marked a great and rare jubilee this year – the 165th anniversary of the choir's existence, one of the oldest and most respected church choirs in this region. A jubilee that speaks not only of numbers, but of faithfulness, perseverance and an uninterrupted series of voices that have raised their prayers to God throughout history.
They only had singing breaks during wars, and today, 165 years after its founding, the parish choir brings together several musical ensembles, including the parish children's orchestra. It was the youngest, with sincerity and tenderness that touched the heart, who opened this beautiful Christmas night with the song "Silent Night", filling the church with a peace that transcends time.
The rich musical tradition of the parish is evident through various musical expressions, through 165 years of almost uninterrupted choral singing, but also through the fact that this parish has the most active musical ensembles in the liturgy. During its long existence, the choir has held about a hundred concerts, always testifying to the truth of the old saying: he who sings, prays twice.
A special moment of the evening was the inspiring lecture by Professor Vladan Vuletin, who spoke with great respect and knowledge about the very beginnings, but also about the deep and rich history of the parish choir. He told those present about the time when singers in Kaštel Novi enjoyed an exceptional reputation, when it was not easy to become a member of the choir. You had to know Latin and Croatian, have developed vocal abilities, and in a community of only seven hundred inhabitants - in which the majority were illiterate - this was a real rarity. A potential member had to be proposed by three reputable singers, and the final blessing came only after the approval of the parish priest. It was an honor, but also a responsibility.
On the feast of Saint Stephen, numerous guests greeted the gathering with music. The children of the Kaštel Štafilić parish choir, led by Ivana Beretin Mornar, brought joy and cheerfulness, and the joint children's choirs of Kaštel Štafilić, Kaštel Novi and Rudin Isusu sang "Mali Isuse, sretan rođendan", a song that combined children's joy and sincere faith.
Also performing were VIS Snaga vjere under the direction of Marta Antunović, then the mixed choir Rudine with powerful performances of "Adeste fideles" and "Gloria", the Bijaći Nightingales from the Bijaći Elementary School, as well as the parish choir of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish from Kaštel Štafilić, under the direction of maestro Vladan Vuletin.
The hosts remained until the very end – the parish mixed choir from Kaštel Novi, under the direction of its long-time leader and organist Mario Žuvela. This is a musician whose presence is felt from the first bar – a man of quiet but strong charisma, who leads music not only with his hands, but also with his heart. His inspiring energy, imbued with deep faith and warm human words, shapes not only the sound of the choir, but also the spirit of the community. In his leadership, one can feel the harmony between discipline and freedom, between art and prayer – that rare gift due to which music becomes a path of encouragement and hope.
At the very end of the concert, the parish priest, Don Gabriel Kamber, addressed the audience, who did not hide his pride. He thanked all the visitors, the lecturer, Professor Vladan Vuletin, and the singers of his choir, congratulating them on this great jubilee. He sent one simple but strong wish to everyone – that we may draw even closer to Christ.
As the crowning moment of the evening, all the performers stood in front of the altar and, together with the congregation, sang "Rejoice, O Peoples" at the top of their voices, a song that filled the church with joy and gratitude.
Don Gabriel Kamber pointed out on that occasion that for many years the parish of St. Peter the Apostle has been organizing a traditional Christmas concert that brings together parish choirs and dear guests, emphasizing how important music is a way of expressing love for God:
- For many years, the parish of St. Peter the Apostle in Kaštela has been organizing a traditional Christmas concert that brings together our parish choirs and dear guests who gladly attend and come to share our celebration every year. Thank God, we thank you that we have several parish and children's choirs in the parish that truly participate in the liturgy and make it more beautiful. Music is one of the ways we can love God, and beautiful liturgical music shows how strong our faith is and how close we are to the Lord. This year, our parish mixed choir from Kaštela Novi is celebrating its 165th anniversary, and it is a choir with a very long history, known for its excellent singers who have performed at top events and participated in various liturgical celebrations within our archdiocese. Thank God that they are present here today and that they continue to write their history. That history obliges us, and we from the parish are really trying to provide them with everything they need so that they can be permanently present among us - said Don Gabriel.
The gathering then continued in the beautiful surroundings of the parish church, with warm tea, mulled wine, tombola and the inevitable music - in an atmosphere that once again confirmed that in Kaštel Novi, song is not just a sound, but a living prayer that has lasted for 165 years.
Photo: Ivana Topic
