The Bukas Palad Music Ministry marked a milestone on August 9th, 2025, with the launch of its 22nd album, Bless Our Darkness, through a concert at Singson Hall, Ateneo de Manila Grade School. The evening opened with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Bukas Palad co-founder and acclaimed Jesuit composer Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ, together with Rev. Fr. Gerald Moscardon.
Six years after their last release, Bukas Palad returns with an offering that “blurs the lines between prayer and playlist, altar and everyday life.”
Each of the album’s ten original compositions is presented in two versions—one crafted for streaming and personal listening, and another arranged for liturgical use—reflecting the group’s enduring mission to write songs that serve the Mass and live on beyond its walls.
“Bless Our Darkness names sorrow not as absence, but as the very place God’s light can enter,” Bukas Palad shared on its official Facebook page. The title track, inspired by a heartrending moment in one of Fr. Manoling’s homilies, “has become a prayer for these times: for peace in war-torn places, for healing in a fractured nation, and for light when the way forward is uncertain.”
Alongside OPM guest artists Jett Pangan and Toto Sorioso, the concert highlighted some of Bless Our Darkness’ featured tracks, which were released as singles back in June, that began the countdown to the much-anticipated album launch:
- “Hanggang sa Huli” — A meditative ballad on perseverance and accompaniment, rooted in John 14:6.
- “We Shout for Joy” — A spirited revisiting of Psalm 63, echoing the energy of Bukas Palad classics.
- “A New Song” — A Psalm-inspired anthem of hope and thanksgiving, arranged for both choir and personal reflection.
By offering both church-ready scores and streaming versions, Bukas Palad invites communities to sing these prayers at Mass, in gatherings, or amidst the quiet of daily life. “In our darkest moments, we turn to song to remind us of God’s love,” the group also wrote in a statement.
The Jesuit Music Ministry also warmly congratulated Bukas Palad for continuing to create music that bridges sacred liturgy and ordinary moments. “This newest release reaffirms their mission,” acknowledged JMM Director Lester Mendiola, “to write songs that serve the Mass and resonate in the intimacy of reflection and the shared rituals of life.”
Moreover, Bukas Palad and the Jesuit Music Ministry extend gratitude to their partners and sponsors: Ateneo de Manila University, Hit Productions, Cabalen, Kitchen City, Casa Reyes, SFX Professional Lights & Sounds, the PJPS’ Ex-presso, and Helixpay.
Bless Our Darkness is now available for streaming on major platforms. Sheet music for liturgical use can be downloaded (via bukaspalad.com), making it possible for choirs and communities to bring these new songs into worship.
AMDG
Listen to the album here: https://found.ee/bless-our-darkness
