Youth choir to join thousands of mourners at Pope’s funeral
Rhythmix Goa were meant to perform at St Peter’s Basilica this weekend
A group of Swindon children is attending the Pope’s funeral today.
Rhythmix Goa are a youth choir and were initially set to sing at the Jubilee of Teenagers at the Vatican this weekend, but the event was called off due to Pope Francis’ passing.
They travelled to Italy on Thursday to pay their respects to the late Pope and sing at a few masses on Friday and Saturday.
Choir leader Vance Machado met Pope Francis last year and told Greatest Hits Radio: “That was the best day of my life. I think nothing can top that. Meeting the Pope is like the highest pinnacle in my life. I really think it was such a blessed moment speaking to him and holding his hand.
“He blessed me and my wife, and he blessed my choir. And it's only because of his prayers and his blessings that we are going to Rome and that is an honour in itself.”
'Once in a lifetime'
When Mr. Machado founded Rhythmix Goa in 2017, the choir had 25 members.
Now, he has what he calls an “army of singing warriors” of 150 children and teenagers, making them the largest Goan children’s show choir in the UK.
While the children were disappointed that they would not get to perform at St Peter’s Basilica, Mr. Machado says the trip is still a “once in a lifetime opportunity”.
“We were actually very devastated, and we were really sad because we have been practising for almost half a year for this concert.
“Even though the kids are sad that we're not performing they will be truly blessed to attend his funeral.”
To Mr. Machado, Pope Francis’ legacy is strongly connected to the youth.
“He was very much in favour of the youth, voicing up their opinions. He always said that the youth are the voice of today and you all are the voice of tomorrow. He always wanted the youth to step up and lead the Catholic Church going forward”, he explained.
As for the Jubilee of Teenagers, the group are hopeful that they will get another chance to perform in front of 100,000 people at the Vatican as organisers have already hinted at the celebrations possibly getting rescheduled to a later date when the new Pope is elected.