By Christopher Khoo
SINGAPORE (SE): Representatives of diplomatic missions in Singapore pinned miniature flags of their countries onto a “Tree of Peace” during a choral concert on December 7 at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, symbolizing their nations’ commitment to work for peace, as well as their hopes for peace for their people.
Titled “Christmas at the Cathedral,” it was the 52nd such concert staged by the Cathedral Choir of the Risen Christ. Proceeds went to the cathedral.
The concert featured the 68-strong choir singing and dancing to more than 60 songs and carols from around the world while donning costumes from various countries.
Ambassadors, high commissioners, and other representatives from more than 50 countries, including Ukraine and the US, took part in the annual Pledge for Peace ceremony during the concert.
The event saw guest of honour Indranee Rajah, minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and second minister for Finance and National Development in Singapore, participating alongside the apostolic nuncio to Singapore, Archbishop Marek Zalewski.
In a message in the concert programme booklet, choir founder-director, Sir Peter Low, noted the threats that the world is facing now and pointed out that “the art of song can point men in the direction of welcome solutions in times of conflict.”
“The carols which we sing tonight remind us of the reality that despite our diversity, we are really one entity – MAN,” he wrote.
In a special prayer segment during the event, Archbishop Zalewski also prayed that God would “open the hearts of all men” to His love, “so that peace and happiness among all peoples may prevail.”
Christopher Khoo is a Singapore-based freelance journalist and educator
