On Sunday, April 29, La Divina Pastora Senior Choir launched its first ever compact disc, entitled Be Still (and Know That I Am God), during our patronal celebrations.

The CD consists of ten tracks, all composed by choir-members. The title track, Be Still, Psalm 46:10 is a reflection of the total trust and reliance on God by the believer.

La Divina Pastora Senior Choir

That one, together with Do You Love Me? -a question for all of us, but reminiscent of the famous question asked of Peter three times by the Christ, Spirit of Goodness and Truth, a Pentecost song, and Gloria, a truly Caribbean song of praise that makes you want to “raise yuh han'”, were composed by leader of the choir, Emrise Joseph.

Cossyl Joseph's Sing Praises To The Lord is another with a distinct calypso rhythm, while Psalm 121, I Came This Day  - an Easter song – Our Father and La Divina Pastora, a devotional hymn in honour of our patron, are done by Ashford Joseph. None of these Josephs mentioned as composers, is related to each other.

My favourite track is Mervyn Alleyne's La Divina Pastora. This is a calypso-styled song in honour of Our Lady, La Divina Pastora. It explores many of the legends that have developed about La Divina Pastora over the years, and marries this with strong Catholic Mariology.

Can you imagine the traditional Marian refrain Ave, Ave, Ave Maria sung to a calypso beat? Well, this song does that beautifully. I can actually see Catholics chipping down the street, singing the delightful, laid back refrain, Ave, Ave....Ave Maria! I say, Ave, Ave....Ave Maria!”

This CD, directed by Ashford Joseph and produced by Kyle Peters, features Cossyl Joseph on keyboard, Kyle Peters on guitar and Kyle Noel on the pan. It is available at the church bookstore in Siparia, and in many Catholic bookstores, or one may contact Ann, at 649-9491.