The Daughters of St. Paul in Iloilo City, together with the Association of Pauline Cooperators, in collaboration with the Jaro Archdiocesan Commission on Liturgy, worked hand-in-hand to organize a combined Day of Recollection and Liturgical Music Workshop for Lent and Easter.
428 people participated in the initiative, which was conducted by Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ, a professor at Loyola School of Theology and a renowned Filipino composer of over 150 liturgical songs and music. The unique feature of this retreat was the use of liturgical songs to enhance a prayerful spirit and emphasize the sacrifice of Christ.
A morning of spiritual reflection guided by Fr. Manoling was followed by an afternoon music workshop, which he also expertly conducted. The big assembly was divided into four voices (soprano, alto, tenor and bass) and with the assistance of several members of the Jesuit “Bukas Palad” Music Ministry team, the harmony of the songs rendered was overwhelming.
The participants all expressed their joy and gratitude for this opportunity to experience a communion of hearts and voices in prayerful encounter with God as a community.
