Music, faith, and hope take center stage in JesCom’s latest Holy Week offering
Jesuit Communications (JesCom) celebrates another milestone in its mission of media evangelization as its 2025 Holy Week television special, “Himig Panalangin,” has been named a finalist for Best TV Special at the 47th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA).
This year’s CMMA theme, “Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts” (1 Peter 3:15–16), echoes the late Pope Francis’ call for communicators to foster dialogue, compassion, and hope in an age of noise and division. Through “Himig Panalangin,” JesCom once again amplifies this message—telling stories of faith and resilience through the power of sacred music.
Aired on Black Saturday, April 19, 2025, via GMA-7, “Himig Panalangin” marks JesCom’s 19th Holy Week TV special, continuing its legacy of inspiring and spiritually enriching broadcasts. The documentary examines how liturgical music strengthens faith and serves as a vessel of prayer, healing, and community.
Faith in Every Note
At the heart of Himig Panalangin are the stories of three individuals whose lives have been transformed by their devotion to music.
Tatay Domeng, a Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL), found redemption through the prison music ministry. Meanwhile, campus minister TJ Sunga recounted his battle with renal failure, yet remained steadfast in serving the Church by actively sharing his talents with his choir. OFW Hilda Calamba selflessly leads her parish choir in Hong Kong, as she finds strength and connection through every hymn she sings.
Their journeys collectively reveal how faith, expressed through song, continues to uplift and unite believers across all walks of life.
Honoring the Pillars of Filipino Liturgical Music
Himig Panalangin also pays tribute to the enduring legacies of Fr. Eduardo Hontiveros, SJ—the Father of Filipino Liturgical Music—and National Artist Lucio San Pedro, whose works have defined the sound of Filipino worship and cultural identity.
Through the reflections of Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ, and Fr. Arnel Aquino, SJ, the documentary revisits how Fr. Hontiveros’ pioneering compositions, such as “Papuri sa Diyos” and “Pananagutan,” transformed the way Filipinos pray in their own language. Meanwhile, tributes to San Pedro highlight how his sacred compositions continue to shape the musical life of local parishes today.
These narratives are beautifully woven together with performances by Bukas Palad Music Ministry, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Banda Uno, and the Pansol Choir, celebrating the vibrant heart of Filipino liturgical music.
A Continuing Mission of Hope and Evangelization
Following its sixth “Best TV Special” recognition for “Visita Iglesia” at the 45th CMMA in 2023 and the Jesuit Music Ministry’s own nominations at this year’s CMMA, JesCom continues to uphold its vision of evangelizing through creativity, excellence, and service.
As the Catholic Mass Media Awards “honors television programs that enlighten, educate, and inspire,” Himig Panalangin stands as a resounding hymn of faith—one that continues to remind us that hope speaks through a melody and plays in the hearts of all who believe.
(AMDG)
Watch “Himig Panalangin” on JesCom’s official YouTube channel:
Support our media evangelization ministry by subscribing to JesCom TV https://www.youtube.com/@JesComTV , where you can view our award-winning and inspirational audiovisual content.
Leave a Reply