The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), in collaboration with Jesuit Communications Foundation (JesCom), has launched the pop version and lyric video of “Live Christ, Share Christ”–the official Jubilee song celebrating the fifth Centenary of Christianity in the country. Commissioned by the Episcopal Commission on Social Communications (ECSC), the song is a fitting hymn to celebrate a banner year for Filipino Christianity.
Shared via the social media pages of the different dioceses and Catholic organizations in the country last April 4, Easter Sunday, the landmark project reflects the long-standing partnership between the media arm of the Society of Jesus’ Philippine Province and the CBCP.
“We are deeply honored that the CBCP had entrusted us with this significant project. JesCom has been producing multimedia content for evangelization for the past 26 years, and this is the perfect way to celebrate not just the Jubilee, but our continued collaboration and partnership with the local Church as well,” acknowledges JesCom Creative Director Pauline Mangilog-Saltarin.
Composed by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, with lyrics written by Archbishop Socrates Villegas, “Live Christ, Share Christ” features a stellar cast of talents that includes Angeline Quinto, Erik Santos, Liezel Garcia, Janine Berdin, Bituin Escalante, Jed Madela, Jolina Magdangal, Matt Lozano and Arman Ferrer.
“When we first approached the artists, they were more than willing to be part of the project. We are fortunate to have a great relationship with them, as most of them have been invited as guests to our concerts,” recounts Mangilog-Saltarin of their enthusiastic contribution to the song’s success.
Tasked with re-arranging the theme was veteran music director Marvin Querido, whose pop-inspired version of “Live Christ, Share Christ” brings to life the color and festivity of Filipino Christianity.
“It was a challenge to record during this pandemic, but we are very happy with how it turned out. Our musical arranger, Marvin Querido, did a wonderful job with recording and mixing,” commends Mangilog-Saltarin. “It is often said that Filipinos are singers and performers by heart. And in any kind of celebration, there is always singing and dancing. It is our hope that this ‘pop’ version will appeal to Christians throughout the Philippines,” she adds.
In a letter addressed to social communication directors and managers of Catholic media outfits, CBCP-ECSC Executive Secretary Rev. Fr. Ilde Dimaano, underscored the continuous promotion of “Live Christ, Share Christ” across dioceses and Church organizations.
“Our much-awaited event in celebration of our Christian faith has arisen…It is highly encouraged to send this lyric video to the youth organizations and to the parish choir, and all other willing organizations and learn the popular version of “Live Christ, Share Christ” Jubilee song.”
Follow JesCom and Jesuit Music Ministry (JMM) on Spotify, Deezer, and iTunes for the upcoming release of “Live Christ, Share Christ”.
