Huni Alang Kang Maria: Song of The Holy Rosary, of Salvation (Part 2 of 2)

CATECHISES ON THE HOLY ROSARY

Before starting the mini concert dubbed as Huni Alang Kang Maria, a teaching about the Holy Rosary was spearheaded by Sr. Marianita Castillanes Tenoso, an Hijas de Jesus Religious nun. She is also active in the formation of the Legion of Mary ministry of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. Sr. Nitz, as fondly called by many, talked on the topic “Rosary: Bible on a String” and profoundly explained the Rosary, the need to pray the Rosary, and ways to pray the Rosary.

Filipinos especially, sincerely revere the Blessed Virgin Mary, and for 500 years, the Holy Mother has been a part of our journey through both happy and challenging times as a people and as a nation. Several historical accounts could attest how the praying of the Holy Rosary won various battles: the Christian victory over the Turks of Lepanto in 1571. the naval victory against the invading Dutch fleet in 1646, the Edsa revolution in 1986, and the pandemic.

Rosarium, the Latin word for Rosary, means rosegarden, the crown of roses, garland, and a string of beads. It refers to both set of prayers and a string of prayer beads used to count the prayers. It became known when St. Dominic De Guzman preached against Albigensian heresy in France but wasn’t successful. He then prayed in a forest, asking for God’s help. Days later, the Rosary was given to him by the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Church of Prouille, which became the first Marian apparition of the Our Lady of Rosary. The Holy Rosary’s overnight praying made St. Dominic win the battle with the Albegensians in Toulouse, France. Blessed Allunus De Rupe, on the other hand, received a vision from Jesus to reinstate the Rosary and received the 15 promises from the Blessed Mother. He spread Rosary in many countries and established confraternities.

Why pray the Rosary? It is a lovely request from our Heavenly Mother, evident through the different apparitions. Our Lady of Lourdes told St. Bernadette Soubirous to pray the Rosary, praying it well for penance and conversion of sinners. In Portugal, the Our Lady of Fatima told Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta to pray the Rosary for the conversion of sinners and world peace.

Sr. Nitz, shared how we can wonderfully pray the Rosary which can be expressed both mentally and vocally. We use our mind and heart to meditate and contemplate the mysteries of the Life of Jesus and Mary and use our voice to say the prayers cited in the Holy Rosary.

Mary’s loving promise to those who pray the Rosary: “I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the Rosary”.

HUNI ALANG KANG MARIA

A mini-musical show dubbed “Huni Alang Kang Maria” is a song offering to the Blessed Mother. The show is not merely singing the Marian Songs but scenes with portrayals about the life of the Heavenly Mother. It contained 11 scenes from the time of annunciation until her being crowned as Queen of heaven and earth.

The efforts of all the ministries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish resulted in a magnificent rendition of the Marian Songs and the characterization of Mary. The event’s depicted that Jesus and Mary are still known even in this generation. It was a simple turned sophisticated concept because of the affectionate participation of everyone. Unexpected acclamation from the crowd and in the livestreaming boosted everyone’s confidence and passion for God by sharing their talents, particularly the parish’s youth and servers.

The flow of the mini-concert is structured with dynamics: the annunciation, visitation, canticle of Mary, the birth of Jesus, presentation in the temple, the Boy Jesus in the temple, wedding at Cana, mockery by the soldiers and scourging at the pillar, resurrection of Jesus, assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Queen of heaven and earth.

A simple yet astounding performance bind our relationship to God through Mary. Giving out time, treasure, and talent is a beautiful offertory for love to God through Mary. The culture of praying especially the praying of the Rosary must be spread unceasingly without hesitation. The Rosary is our hope of peace, and Mary is our companion toward salvation. Our investment for a place in heaven. Huni Alang Kang Maria, our offering for salvation. (Gresiel E. Ferrando l SHJP SocCom Coordinator)

“…. a most powerful weapon to overcome the devil, to preserve the purity of their lives, to acquire virtue more zealously, in a word, to promote peace among men.” (Pope Pius XI)