SSDM Parish Music Ministry: Choral Competition Champions

CARAGA, DAVAO ORIENTAL- The San Salvador del Mundo Music Ministry was declared champion of the Diocesan Virtual Choral Competition last June 30, 2021.

The team members were so happy for making it to the Grand Finals. This was their first time to join the Choral Competition in the Diocese. They are very grateful to their team leaders: Mr. Ronald Jay Ticudo, parish music ministry coordinator and the accompanist; Mr. Darius O. Pelayo, conductor; and Mrs. Estela P. Caramat, music ministry president. They also wish to acknowledge the support of their parish priest and parochial vicar, the liturgical ministers team and the whole community of San Salvador del Mundo Parish.

“I am out of words, but I am so happy for the success of the group because this is the fruit of their unity. Their efforts and sacrifices have paid off,” said Rev. Fr. Diomedes N. Lagroma, parish priest of San Salvador del Mundo. “And as I journeyed with them in this endeavor, I could say that everyone really did her/his part, and I am just so glad about it. And as the Parish Priest, I was there to guide and support them“, Fr. Lagroma added.

Before clinching this victory, the team went through different challenges from the time they started practicing until the day of the recording. “The passion and commitment of the team, the overwhelming support of our parish priest, Fr. Diome, and our confidence in God are our assets that brought us to the Grand Finals,” Sir RJ Ticudo revealed when asked about the team’s secret of success. “We also offer this triumph to God as our thanksgiving for His love, protection and mercy as we face the challenge of COVID 19”, he added.

The competition was initiated by the Commission on Worship in celebration of the Jubilee of the Liturgical Ministers in the month of June and in commemoration of the 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines. The main objective of this activity is to recognize the significant role of the Music Ministry in the Diocese of Mati and the importance of Liturgical Music as it enhances active participation of the congregation in Liturgical celebrations.

Participating in the Grand Finals were the winning parishes during the Vicariate elimination round from San Nicholas de Tolentino Vicariate, San Vicente Ferrer Vicariate, Saint James the Apostle Vicariate, and San Salvador del Mundo Vicariate. The competition’s warm up song was We Give Our Yes by Carlo Magno, while the contest piece was the official song of Missio ad Gentes – GIFTED TO GIVE – by Ryan Cayabyab. (Kyrie Jacky Sobrecarey and Katybeth Sumalinab / SocCom Members, San Salvador Parish, Diocese of Mati)