Mangaluru: The Holy Cross Church, Cordel, in collaboration with the Mangalore City Deanery, will organise an Inter-Parish Marian Hymn Singing Competition on Sunday, August 30, bringing together parish choirs in an evening dedicated to Marian devotion, parish unity and musical excellence.

Cordel Church to host inter-parish competition

The competition will be held at the Cordel Auditorium, Mangaluru, beginning at 4 pm. The programme will open with the drawing of lots at 3.30 pm, followed by a prayer service at 3.50 pm.

The competition will feature teams representing parishes within the Mangalore City Deanery. Each parish can field one team, with each team comprising a minimum of eight and a maximum of 12 singers, excluding musicians.

There is no age restriction for participants, and singers must perform exclusively for their respective parish teams.

Marian hymns in three languages

Participants may present Marian hymns in Konkani, Kannada or Hindi. Each team will be allotted 10 minutes for its performance, along with two minutes for stage clearance or rearrangement.

Live accompaniment using guitar and/or keyboard will be permitted. However, pre-recorded music, backing tracks and karaoke tracks are strictly prohibited.

The competition will also include a ₹500 entry fee per team. Registration forms, the entry fee and a recommendation letter from the Parish Priest must reach the Cordel Parish Office by August 23, 2026.

Promoting faith and musical excellence

The organisers said the competition is intended to foster Marian devotion, parish unity and musical excellence. Teams are required to report at least 30 minutes before the commencement of the competition.

The decision of the judges will be final and binding, while any misconduct or violation of the rules may lead to disqualification.

The programme will be conducted under the leadership of Rev Fr Clifford Fernandes, Parish Priest, Holy Cross Church, Cordel, and V. Rev Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, Vicar Forane, Mangalore City Deanery.

The evening will carry the message: “Let us sing with Mary, the Mother of God!”