In celebration of the landmark 500th year of St. Ignatius of Loyola’s conversion, the Center for Ignatian Spirituality Philippines (CIS), in partnership with Jesuit Music Ministry (JMM) hosted “Thy Love and Thy Grace”, an online prayer concert featuring Himig Heswita, last Saturday evening, March 12.
Live-streaming from the Ateneo de Manila University’s Church of the Gesú, via the Facebook pages of JesCom and Radyo Katipunan 87.9 FM, the primary aim of CIS’ first-ever concert was to raise funds for the benefit of its Training Programs on Spiritual Direction for the local Clergy.
“Arranged according to the thematic structure of the Spiritual Exercises, the songs that you will hear tonight are a modest attempt at tracing the journey of St. Ignatius- a man totally obsessed with himself to a man enflamed with the love of God,” presented Fr. Silvino Borres Jr. SJ, Chair of the Ignatian Year online concert, in his opening remarks.
“It is our hope that these same songs will recall for you, your own stories of conversion-renewing your love for God and neighbor. May this night be another occasion to experience His love and His grace.”
After Fr. Ernald Andal SJ’s timely reminder of how our God of love chooses to be with us, Terence Ang and Rey Malipot began the night’s festivities with “Forever I Will Sing, followed by Mike Totanes’ with “God is Love” and Marlon Fabros SJ’s with “On Eagle’s Wings”.
Under the theme of ‘God’s Forgiveness’ presented by CIS Senior Associate, Ms. Cristina Mossesgeld, Fr. Ro Atilano SJ, Bok Arandia SJ, and Daven Manubag SJ, each took the lead in singing “I Long for You”, “Walang Ibang Tahanan” and “Loving and Forgiving”. Guided by Fr. Roy Christian Gesulgon’s reflection on ‘Contemplating Jesus’, Fr. Borres, Jaclay John SJ, Veepee Pinpin and Rey Malipot went on to lead “Only This I Want”, “Psalm 23” and “Hesus ng Aking Buhay”.
Resuming after a short break, Fr. Willy Samson SJ’s touching story on ‘Passion’ paved the way for inspired performances from Rogelio Nato SJ, Chesco Labuntog SJ, Jasper Martir, and Terence Ang in “Holy Darkness”, “Be Not Afraid” and “Were you There”, respectively.
Following CIS Programs Director, Ms. Maria Riza Carasig’s heartfelt sharing on the Resurrection, Jasper Martir, Jaclay John SJ, Terence Ang, and Fr. Silvino Borres SJ once again delivered standout numbers with “Age to Age”, “Far Greater Love”, and “I Am Ever with You”.
In between the concluding performances of “We Are Called” and “I Sing the Mighty Power of God”, Fr. Borres extended his overflowing gratitude for the resounding success of CIS’ milestone project.
“On behalf of CIS, let me thank you for sharing this special night with us. Special thanks as well to JesCom, under Fr. Nono Alfonso SJ; the production team; those who read the spiels; Himig Heswita under the direction of Fr. Arnel Aquino SJ, and to everyone else involved in this project. Thank you for sharing your time and talent.”
Relive the memories of “Thy Love and Thy Grace
Watch the Ignatian Year online prayer concert organized by Center of Ignatian Spirituality Philippines (CIS), in partnership with Jesuit Music Ministry (JMM) via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEK3c_T8GFM
Make a donation by visiting the link: https://jescom.ph/product/donate-to-thy-love-and-thy-grace/
Like and Follow Jesuit Music Ministry (facebook.com/jesuitmusicministry) and JesCom (facebook.com/jescomph) on Facebook, for all the latest news and announcements on our digital productions, services, and events.
Support our media evangelization ministry and subscribe to JesCom TV (youtube.com/user/jesuitcomm) and JesCom Music (youtube.com/c/JesComMusic) on YouTube, to view our award-winning and inspirational audiovisual content.
