All the Earth, Let us Sing

Missionaries and tutors traveled in to host the
"camp" at Sacred Heart.

Twelve young people to one guitar; fifteen-plus at the drum pad; another cluster waiting patiently to try a keyboard; and a group of all ages clicking neem sticks in a traditional folk dance: enthusiasm and curiosity characterized the fine arts "camp" invigorated by Catholic faith and culture at Sacred Heart Mission in Kakinada. 

Everything at this Kakinada mission
centers around the love of Christ
and His Sacred Heart. Volunteers and
even local street kids dug and planted,
beautifying the mission.

The traditional Indian inauguration of the Sacred
Heart camp.

As many as 250 young people traveled across the state of Andhra Pradesh October 19-21, 2015, to  receive a little "fine tuning" in singing, playing various instruments and dance. Many had never before experienced such a blend and immersion, praying, singing and dancing their way through the 3-day camp run by Fr. Varghese and a number of musical missionary priest friends, lay helpers and tutors.

After hosting a similar event at his former mission last year, Fr. Varghese was asked to host the camp by the head of his "deanery" (region within his Diocese of Visakhapatnam) at his new church of Sacred Heart.

All good things start and end with prayer.

When needed funds never arrived, Fr. Varghese went door-to-door begging aid, collecting sacks of rice and other basic goods to feed the children for three days and to run a successful camp.

Fifty more campers than were expected arrived -- children of all backgrounds, from Kakinada's coastal city to scattered villages. The girls stayed down the block at the Missionaries of Charity convent by night, and the boys bunked at a local school. All gathered beneath tents and on rooftops at Sacred Heart by day, exploring music and dance within a context of faith, as never before.

When Fr. Varghese was struck by a migraine on opening day, fellow priests and lay people kept the "show on the road." Father was soon back on his feet, overseeing classes and every aspect of hosting such an event -- from erecting tents on the rooftop to rigging a camp kitchen in the old cow shed on his property. Overall, Fr. Varghese said he was grateful for God's guidance through the days leading up to the event, and on camp days. 

The missionary, who himself hails from a poor background, often talks about how the poor need to experience beauty to enrich their lives, uplift their spirits and draw them nearer to Heaven. He focuses on his faithful preparing well for Mass, on solid basic teaching and a leaning into God's love in adoration, and through Marian devotions and social outreach. The camp adds another dimension to church life, that gives children a chance to express themselves through both faith and the arts.

Children patiently awaited a brief turn at the instruments.

About the camp's success at a time when October Hindu festivals are being observed across India, Fr. Varghese texted, "I am happy...Many kids are learning beautiful things." 

Every space at the mission was used for the camp.

Cloth partitions and tents sheltered campers and
provided classrooms.

Many of the children tried out the instruments for their
very first time.

This traditional dance with neem sticks burned off a
lot of energy!

The girls danced on the mission rooftop.