By Fr. Randy A. Figuracion, SDB

Cebu, the Philippines, 24 May 2017 -- A Choral Concert for a Cause dubbed “Memorare” was organized by the Salesian Music Ministry of the Southern Philippine Province in partnership with the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes on May 24, the feast of Mary Help of Christians. It was a tribute to Mary in musical expression. The Pagdayeg Music Ministry took the lead accompanied by the Lourdes Parish String Orchestra with guest from the Cebu Normal University Children’s Choir.

The concert was also intended to celebrate the 2nd Anniversary of the Pagdayeg Music Ministry, the music ambassadors of the Salesian Music Ministry (SMM), an organization established on May 24, 2014 by Fr. Randy Figuracion, SDB and multi-awarded songwriter and music arranger Niño James Bañares. Its goal is to create, promote and spread liturgical and religious music for a more meaningful worship experience.

During the concert a newly published Marian Songbook entitled “Memorare: Songs for the Blessed Mother” was launched. It is the 3rd Songbook Project of SMM, the earlier ones published were Misa Figuracion: Songs of Praise and Misa Figuracion: Mga Awit sa Pagdayeg.

The launching was timed on a Marian Year as the world commemorates the 100 Years of Mary’s famed apparitions in Fatima, Portugal. “Memorare” is a compilation of works which includes songs written by Fr. Randy Figuracion, Fr. Ronel Vilbar, Fr. Adrian Mendoza, Jude Gitamondoc and Niño James Bañares arranged in four voices for choral use.

Aside from the Pagdayeg Music Ministry, the concert featured a new arm of the Salesian Music Ministry. It welcomed the Lourdes Parish String Orchestra as its partner in sharing and spreading salesian music. St. John Bosco always believed in the power of music for education and spirituality. Indeed, the concert provided a venue for honoring Our Blessed Mother, opportunity for the singers and musicians to share their talents and funding for the future projects of the Salesian Music Minitry.

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