Marcel Angelo Delfinado

Theology I
Submitted to: Rev. Fr. Xavier R. Amoroso, O.P.

Reflection paper on the Liturgical Music on the Feast of the Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno

It is the first class on liturgical music and I felt really surprised with the blessing that
coincided with the class. On a personal note, I have been praying to the Nazarene ever since and I
still have the small prayer and the metal picture of the Nazarene that I had when I was still in my
early years. I have been protected and blessed by Him ever since and it is all given unexpectedly
and today has been another one that our class will be attending the fiesta mass and at the same time
doing the academics.
The Laudate Dominum Choir under the baton of Fr. Amoroso has lived up to their duty to
provide the prayerful atmosphere in the Eucharistic celebration because they were able to lead the
faithful to have an active participation in the mass and the repertoire was suitable for the occasion
and the congregation. The Mass on the feast of the Nazarene is always a “Mass of the Masses” or
“Misa ng Masa”. The songs are very familiar to the faithful and it is suitable to the parts of the
mass. The entrance song “Dagos asin magtiripon” is a right choice since it evokes the invitation to
gather in the presence of the Lord and the welcoming presence of Jesus in the sacrament. The
Kyrie of Fr. Amoroso and the service songs of Fr. Alforte and Mr. Dolor as being the songs are
the right choices for the occasion beside the musical bravado of the choir and the conductor, the
people were able to participate still and was not reduced to mere spectators or audience at the
celebration. Another note is the right attitude of the conductor towards the mishap done by the
sound system operator who played an rnb music during the alleluia. Other conductors might had
lost their cool but not Fr. Amoroso who was able to go on despite of the distraction. The choir was
also able to respond in the sung form of the gospel acclamation with proficiency. The “Idinodolot
niamo of Msgr. Rodel Cajot is a suitable song for the offertory procession since it is also the
offering of the bread and wine and the offering of Jesus Christ. The communion song
“Communion” of Fr. Sapian is right choice since it talks about receiving Jesus Christ in the
Eucharist and at the same time on the theme of the celebration which focuses on the ultimate
sacrifice of the Lord in the Cross and the faith and hope of the people. The recessional song
“Himno sa Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno” of the National Artist Lucio San Pedro gave the faithful
the surge of faith and devotion.
The choir and the music of the celebration proved that following the norms and laws of the
renewal of the Second Vatican Council does not consist of rigidity but rather being able to adjust
to the needs of the congregation without compromising the solemnity of the celebration. This
serves as a lesson for future ministers of the Church who, in the future, will be leading the people
in prayer and most probably in the musical setting in worship. These occasions are perfect
examples of the proper functioning of the ministers who are assisting in the celebration which
renders a proper and meaningful spiritual renewal and growth for the minister and the faithful as
well and that they be able to praise God with music and song.