Sing it to Remember Me

A seminar on Liturgical Music was held in Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) last February 4, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Theological and Mission Institute (SATMI) held their 11th Abdon Ma. Josol Lecture Series 2023: A Theological Forum with the theme, “Bringing Forth Treasure Old and New: Guidelines for Choosing Music for the Liturgy.”

In the said event, there were 190 participants from different congregations and lay people. The focus was to enlighten about the importance of music in the liturgy. Before the forum began, Mr. Ricardo Enriquez, Director of Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School, opened the said event and also shared bits about the chapel as he formally welcomed everyone.

There were 3 speakers for the event: first was Dr. David J. Kendall, an associate professor of music at La Sierra University in California, USA. While the other two served as reactors to the topic who were, Rev. Fr. Marbendear L. Morallas, REMASE and SATMI Professor and Bro. Phankavee Thaiprasert, SATMI student.

Dr. Kendall pointed out in his talk the heritage that we have in the music liturgy, whether it is old sacred music or new sacred music. The importance is that they are sacred gifts of God to the community, and it is our pleasure and mission to do the best we can in our liturgy.

Fr. Marbendear also thoroughly explained how sacred music plays a big part in the liturgy and that we must respond to it. Also, Bro. Phankavee shared with us his experience of the beauty of the sacred music in Thailand. After this, there were 3 participants who asked questions and sought clarifications from the speakers. Before the event ended, Rev. Fr. Jboy Gonzales, Assistant Principal of Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School, gave his inspiration message in which he shared his own experience about composing music. When you compose music in response to the liturgy, you need to include these things; “write this son, teach this to my people, let them sing it, for them to remember me” (Deut. 31:19). (Bro. Ranie Boy Pamplona)