When the world seems far beyond me, And I have no place to go, When my life seems cold and empty, And I feel I’m all alone, Then a song that I remember Helps to ease my troubled mind...
There are so many
things that's happening around the world that it's almost impossible to keep
up. Some are simply caught up in the immediate things like work or business or
pleasure while some are busy supposedly with things that matter to us all, like
the environment, good governance, educational opportunities, caring for the
family and household and so on. So many things call for our attention these
days that we might be forgetting the one important person who made all these
things possible for us.
This world seems to
forget him and I think it's right that we should remember just how blessed we
are with all the things that we need to make this world a better place. The
video I'm presenting is a compilation of pictures of this one awesome man who
made a huge impact in the lives of humanity. I remember someone telling me that
love songs can actually be addressed or dedicated to God, whether as man loving
him or God loving us. This song is not a song I sang with the choir, but it has been one of my favorite
love songs--Because You Loved Me. I like this song because it speaks of someone
selfless and doing everything for the sake of his beloved one. Well, I could
only think of one person who is like that for all times--Jesus Christ.
I hope you'd
understand the progression of the pictures. It may not be completely in sync
with the song, but it is my hope that the message will get across. Let us
indeed thank God for such an incredible gift to humanity!
Happy Easter! This week marks the beginning of the Easter Season. For the next fifty days (culminating on the Pentecost), the noon time prayer to our Blessed Mother changes from the Angelus to Regina Caeli. The latter speaks of the joy of our dear Blessed Mother to the glorious resurrection of his son Jesus Christ from the dead.
I've sang two versions of this song when I was starting out as a choir member. I sang this with a group of all female vocalists and this was one of the songs we'd sing during the Easter Vigil. I had a hard time looking for the specific version that I like on the Internet. I didn't know the name of the composer then. But after trying every combination of search words on Google, I finally found the version I was looking for--Antonio Lotti.
Antonio Lotti was born at Venice in 1667; died there, 5 January, 1740 and studied under Legrenzi, producing an opera, "Il Giustino", in his sixteenth year. On 31 May, 1692, he was appointed second organist of St. Mark's, and on 17 August, 1704, he succeeded Spada as first organist. On 2 April, 1736, he was elected maestro di cappella, though Pollarolo, Porpora, and Porta were formidable rivals for the much-coveted post, with a salary of 400 ducats. Between the years 1703 and 1730 he composed numerous masses and motets, especially his "Miserere", which supplanted the version of Legrenzi and is still sung at St. Mark's on Holy Thursday. Lotti also composed twenty-seven operas (1693-1717), and he spent two years at Dresden, producing various works. After his return to Venice, in November, 1719, he gave up secular writing, and devoted himself solely to church and chamber music. via Catholic Encyclopedia
In this rendition, the choir is accompanied by organ. This song could also be sung a capella style. I like this version of Regina Caeli because its tone is a combination of solemn soft tones and grand celebration style tones. Hope you enjoy this video. Happy Easter once again!
Ave Maria is one prayer that has several arrangements by well-renowned musicians. During my early stints as a chorister, I had the opportunity to sing Jacques Arcadelt's arrangement.
Jacques Arcadelt (also Jacob Arcadelt) (c. 1507 – 14 October 1568) was a Franco-Flemish composer of the Renaissance, active in both Italy and France, and principally known as a composer of secular vocal music. Although he also wrote sacred vocal music, he was one of the most famous of the early composers of madrigals; his first book of madrigals, published within a decade of the appearance of the earliest examples of the form, was the most widely printed collection of madrigals of the entire era. via Wikipedia
In preparation for Holy Week 2012, I will feature some of my favorite sacred music choral pieces. Ave Maria by Jacques Arcadelt is one of the first sacred music choral pieces I've learned. Since it's a Saturday, the church dedicates this day to our dear Lady, which is why I saw it fit to feature this song.
Although there were other verses that the priest emphasized in today's Gospel, I chose to reflect on these words. It reminded me of a song I featured in one of my earlier blogs in January of this year: Ave Verum. Here I will feature the song again, this time presenting Mozart's composition. When I was still singing with the choir, this is the version I learned first. It's accompanied by an orchestra or an organist. It's solemn and uplifting. Here are the words in Latin and English. It will truly help in reflecting the passage above. Have a wonderful day!
Ave, verum corpus Hail,true body
natum de Maria Virgine, born of the Virgin Mary,
Vere passum immolatum Who truly suffered, sacrificed
in Cruce pro homine, on the Cross for man,
Cujus latus perforatum Whose pierced side
unda fluxit et sanguine, overflowed with water and blood,
Esto nobis praegustatum Be for us a foretaste
in mortis examine. In the trial of death.
It's difficult to lose a loved one--that's partly the reason why I haven't written anything on this blog. I know that we (the family) have done everything good for my dad. There was one detail there I wasn't happy about and it concerns the subject (the inspiration) for this blog. I lost that inspiration and it took a while before I thought about what to write in this blog.
Since my dad passed away three weeks ago, the family and I were too busy with things to be done for my dad's passage to the afterlife--the family, both here in Manila and Bacolod, contributed and shared with us (dad's immediate family) their condolences, plus friends of dad and the family. I couldn't thank them enough!
Our time to grieve happen to coincide with the Season of Lent. I came to recall a song that immortalized Mary's sorrow at the death of her dearly beloved son Jesus Christ--Stabat Mater. Who else could perfectly understand the pain of loss and suffering than that of our dear Blessed Mother Mary? This is a song that I see fitting for this occasion. And also, this for you, dad! Farewell!
From the family mausoleum in Isabela, Negros Occidental
STABAT MATER English Translation
1. Stabat Mater dolorosa 1. At the cross her station keeping,
Iuxta crucem lacrimosa stood the mournful mother weeping,
Dum pendebat Filius close to Jesus to the last
2. Cuius animam gementem 2. Through her heart, his sorrow sharing,
Contristatam et dolentem all his bitter anguish bearing,
Pertransivit gladius now at length the sword had passed.
3. O quam tristis et afflicta 3. Oh how sad and sore distressed
Fuit illa benedicta was that mother highly blessed,
Mater unigeniti! of the sole-begotten One!
4. Quae moerebat et dolebat, 4. Christ above in torment hangs;
Pia Mater, dum videbat she beneath beholds the pangs
Nati poenas incliti of her dying glorious Son.
5. Quis est homo qui non fleret, 5. Is there one who would not weep,
Matrem Christi si videret whelmed in miseries so deep
In tanto supplicio? Christ's dear Mother to behold?
6. Quis non posset contristari, 6. Can the human heart refrain
Christi Matrem contemplari from partaking in her pain,
Dolentem cum Filio? in that Mother's pain untold?
7. Pro peccatis suae gentis 7. For the sins of His own nation
Vidit Iesum in tormentis, saw Him hang in desolation,
Et flagellis subditum. all with bloody scourges rent.
8. Vidit suum dulcem natum 8. Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled,
Moriendo desolatum she beheld her tender child,
Dum emisit spiritum till His Spirit forth he sent.
9. Eia Mater, fons amoris 9. O, thou Mother, fount of love,
Me sentire vim doloris touch my spirit from above,
Fac, ut tecum lugeam make my heart with thine accord.
10. Fac, ut ardeat cor meum 10. Make me feel as thou has felt;
In amando Christum Deum make my soul to glow and melt
Ut sibi complaceam with the love of Christ our Lord.
11. Sancta Mater, istud agas, 11. Holy Mother, pierce me through;
Crucifixi fige plagas in my heart each wound renew
Cordi meo valide. of my Saviour crucified.
12. Tui nati vulnerati, 12. Let met share with thee his pain,
Tam dignati pro me pati, who for all my sins was slain,
Poenas mecum divide. who for me in torments died.
13. Fac me tecum, pie, flere, 13. Let me mingle tears with thee,
Crucifixo condolere, mourning Him Who mourned for me,
Donec ego vixero. all the days that I may live.
14. Iuxta crucem tecum stare, 14. By the cross with thee to stay,
Et me tibi sociare there with thee to weep and pray,
In planctu desidero this I ask of thee to give.
15. Virgo virginum praeclara, 15. Virgin, of all virgins blest,
Mihi iam non sis amara O refuse not my request:
Fac me tecum plangere let me in thy weeping share
16. Fac, ut portem Christi mortem 16. Let me, to my latest breath,
Passionis fac consortem, in my body bear the death
Et plagas recolere. of that dying Son of thine.
17. Fac me plagis vulnerari, 17. Wounded with his every wound,
Fac me cruce inebriari, steep my soul till it hath swooned
Et cruore Filii in His very blood away.
18. Flammis ne urar succensus 18. Be to me, O Virgin, nigh,
Per Te, Virgo, sim defensus lest in flames I burn and die,
In die iudicii in that awful judgment day.
19. Christe, cum sit hinc exire, 19. Christ, when thou shalt call me hence,
Da per Matrem me venire be Thy mother my defense,
Ad palmam victoriae be Thy cross my victory.
20. Quando corpus morietur, 20. While my body here decays,
Fac, ut animae donetur may my soul Thy goodness praise,
Paradisi gloria. Amen safe in Paradise with Thee. Amen.
This is the happiest day of my life. Today is my birthday. And normally, I'd simply have dinner or lunch with my family and of course, I get to treat them. At least once a year, I'd do this for my family. However, this day turned out to be more than just a normal birthday celebration.
First, I went to Ayala Triangle Park to join a get together with friends. I wasn't bent on going at first because I wanted to take a rest and stay at home. Going to Ayala on a Sunday meant that I had to trek the long way from Antipolo to Makati--i.e. commuting through various public transports. But I went anyway because we only have this get together once a month. The last month I've been with them was October 2011. Besides, being with friends is also a good way to spend one's birthday. The peculiar thing about it was that, not one of them greeted me today. Deep inside, I didn't feel bad about it. It was a monthly get together and I was thinking that that get together wasn't about me. It was simply having a good time with friends where everyone is treated as special and whose stories are a joy and delight to listen to. So I didn't mind that no one greeted me--the world doesn't just revolve around me.
It should have been a surprise, but during the last few days I began to saw hints of what's going on. Last Thursday night, I met some of them and I saw them passing birthday cards to be signed. There were two of them, but I only signed one. Hmm...
While I was at MRT station today, I received a text from Gina (not her real name) saying that she's already at the Park--it was around 2:45pm and our scheduled meet up was at 3:00pm. Gina is one of those people who's normally late when it comes to these gatherings. So I was teasing her about it. When I finally came, after rounds of kisses, I saw what seemed to be gifts underneath the table. Still, I pretended as though it was nothing--the day is for friends and not for me, even if today is my birthday.
After rounds of laughter and storytelling, I noticed Alex (not his real name) come up behind Leslie (not her real name) with a guitar. Hmm...is he singing for someone? Someone's birthday perhaps? Well, there were two of us who had a birthday there--the other one was Leslie. After her sharing, bouquets of flowers arrived and two slices of cakes with small candles on them. They were given and set before Leslie and me. But wait! There's more! The gifts were distributed and I was the first one who received it--it happened to be a small statue of St. Joseph. Tears ran down my eyes for I've been praying and hoping that one day, preferably on my birthday, I'd get a glimpse of my future partner in life. It was my constant prayer in 2011...and receiving this small statue reminded me that St. Joseph's intercession is a great help regarding my prayer for my life partner.
The Church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves of life’s
different stresses. Our duty is not to abandon ship, but to keep her on
course. – St. Boniface of Mainz
This is one of my favorite quotes. We need to be reminded that the church is not just some building or structure or the clergy or its leaders and laws. The church is the people and people help each other out in times of great need. And this is done through prayers and coming together as one big happy family of God. If we abandon the church, we are abandoning people who may need us, who look for love and happiness, who needs to be shown the way to God. The Blessed Mother Mary is one such person we go to so that we may find our way back to God. She is that "star of the sea" that guides the ship to its course. But she couldn't do that alone. As St. Boniface puts it, it is our duty as part of the church to help keep her (the church) on its course too. I truly felt what family means today when I celebrated my birthday with my family and with friends--people who would never abandon me and would help me "stay" on course. Here is my song for you--Ave Maris Stella.
Ave maris stella,
Dei Mater alma,
Atque semper Virgo,
Felix cœli porta.
Hail, star of the sea,
bountiful mother of God
and ever Virgin,
happy gate of heaven.
Sumens illud Ave
Gabrielis ore,
Funda nos in pace,
Mutans Evæ nomen.
Taking that Ave
from the mouth of Gabriel,
preserve us in peace,
giving Eve a new name.
Solve vincla reis,
Profer lumen cæcis,
Mala nostra pelle,
Bona cuncta posce.
Loose the chains of the bound,
bring light to the blind,
drive out our ills,
invoke all things good.
Monstra te esse matrem,
Sumat per te preces,
Qui pro nobis natus,
Tulit esse tuus.
Show thyself to be a mother,
may he who was born for us
receive our prayers through thee.
Virgo singularis,
Inter omnes mitis,
Nos culpis solutos,
Mites fac et castos.
Singular virgin,
more gentle than all,
absolve us from sin and
make us gentle and pure.
Vitam præsta puram,
Iter para tutum,
Ut videntes Jesum
Semper collætemur.
Grant us a pure life,
prepare a safe way,
that in seeing Jesus
we may rejoice for ever.
Sit laus Deo Patri,
Summo Christo decus,
Spiritui Sancto,
Tribus honor unus. Amen.
Praise be to God the Father,
glory to Christ on high,
and with the Holy Spirit
honour to the three in one. Amen.
Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life -- Berthold Auerbach
It rained quite hard today. To many, rain is associated with sadness like its a non-stop shedding of tears from heaven. To me, rain is a blessing, a cleansing and washing away of life's "everyday dust."
I'm not sure what to write in this blog save that I know what its subject is. I spoke with my financial adviser and I wish I could say that all was well. That conversation left me in a downer mood. It was ironic that that mood set in just when the rain has stopped. So what do we do when times are rough? When the unexpected mars our plans for the future? Then, I remember addressing a blog to one of my good friends. I shared a song and the first line goes "When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary talks to me speaking words of wisdom: let it be."
Music truly has a way of answering our deepest thoughts and sought after dreams. Choral singing in particular has that cleansing and reflective effect upon me. Each song has its own way of catharsis. Each song has its own way to ease the soul.
Sometimes when you feel down, you'd need the comfort of someone who cares for you the most. And I find this beautiful trait in the Most Blessed Mother Mary--the Mother of Jesus Christ. She is a mother not only to Catholics, but to everyone. Yes, believe it or not, she can and is the mother of everyone who seeks for a mother in his/her life. Just think of what a perfect mother should be like: kind, tender, lovingly caressing and nurturing her children, understanding and concerned about their feelings, worries and wants in life; a constant shoulder to cry on, giving hope and encouragement for the young ones to continue to struggle amidst the trials and difficulties...oh I could go on and on and on. Anyone could seek this mother--if he/she wants to--in the Blessed Mother Mary.
You may or may not agree with me. But allow me to invite you to listen to one of the most popular hymns dedicated to our dear Blessed Mother. This prayer has been set into song for several generations and until now, composers continue to revisit and write new arrangements. Without further adieu, I present to you "Ave Maria" arranged by Ralph Hoffman and performed by Novo Concertante Manila. I invite you to bask in its highs and lows, its soft and loud moments...for it is in these moments in our life that our Mother's love can truly be felt if you wish to seek it.
Ave Maria Lyrics (Latin) English
Ave Maria Hail Mary
Gratia plena Full of grace
Dominus tecum The Lord is with you
Benedicta tu in mulieribus Blessed are you among women
Et benedictus fructus ventris And Blessed is the fruit of your womb
Tui, Jesus Jesus...
Sancta Maria Holy Mary
Mater Dei Mother of God
Ora pro nobis peccatoribus Pray for us sinners
Nunc et in hora mortis nostrae Now and at the hour of our death
Amen. Amen.
Allow me to introduce you to my friends Jenny and Queenie. Jenny (not her real name) is smart, inquisitive, reflective, and always curious. She likes asking questions that would really make you think--questions about justice for example. She is open to new ideas and it would be a good idea to let her speak her mind. When something is troubling her and she feels the need to express it, just let her be--she usually does have a point to make. If she has the time, she could write inspiring messages and send them via cellphone or Facebook--about what went on in her mind while waiting in traffic for example. Last but not the least, she is very generous with her time and energy. Meeting friends, doing her duties, participating in outreach and other social activities--she's all for it!
Queenie (not her real name) is also just as generous with her time and energy. But whereas Jenny exemplifies keenness of mind, Queenie is a person with a pure heart. She is sensitive to other people's feelings and she never fails to make you laugh. Her sense of humor is natural, heartfelt, and downright funny--she doesn't even need to try hard. She greets you with a smile and you couldn't help but feel lifted up. Tell her in a subtle way that you have a problem, she'll surely be the one to lend a hand or even a shoulder to cry on. She will definitely take time to hear what's on your mind and your heart. She won't be afraid to advise or to guide you if you ask her to.
Yes, these are my friends whom I've met only last year. But they've been such a blessing to me that I fondly call them "Mind and Heart"--only in this blog anyway! In line with offering my fave choral pieces, I'd like to dedicate this song to my friends Jenny and Queenie. I believe this song captures some aspects of their character which I've roughly outlined here. Here's to Jenny and Queenie and I hope you like this song.
LET IT BE (by the Beatles, sang by the Philippine Madrigal Singers)
When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
And when the broken hearted people Living in the world agree
There will be an answer, let it be
For though they may be parted, There is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
And when the night is cloudy There is still a light that shines on me
Shine until tomorrow, let it be
I wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
This song is about Paul McCartney's mom--which happens to be named Mary and a devout Roman Catholic. I guess this is a perfect song to all women--not just mothers. After all, at one point many women have become "mothers" to a lot of people by sharing their intelligence and love for the other people's benefit. :-)
Today is the first Friday of the month and the first for the year 2012. It marks the end of the first weekday of 2012. This first weekday of the year for me has been one of rest and preparation for the coming week. For the next two weeks, I'll be having training sessions and God knows maybe even until a third or fourth week. And speaking of God, this first Friday is specially dedicated to him. I've sang many church songs with the choir. The one below is one of my favorites--Ave Verum Corpus.
Ave verum corpus is A short Eucharistic hymn dating from the 14th century and attributed to Pope Innocent VI (d 1362). During the Middle Ages it was sung at the elevation of the
Host during the consecration. It was also used frequently during
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
The most popular version is Mozart's composition. Personally, I prefer Charles Gounod's version of the hymn and this is the composition being sung in the video.
Ave, verum corpus Hail,true body
natum de Maria Virgine, born of the Virgin Mary,
Vere passum immolatum Who truly suffered, sacrificed
in Cruce pro homine, on the Cross for man, Cujus latus perforatum Whose pierced side
fluxit unda et sanguine, overflowed with water and blood,
Esto nobis praegustatum Be for us a foretaste
in mortis examine. In the trial of death.
O dulcis, O pie, O sweet, o merciful,
O Jesu, Fili Mariae. O Jesus, Son of Mary
Pro nobis miserere. Have mercy on us!
Ah, what a way to end the first weekday of the year. The weekend has come and there's more time for relaxation and reminiscing and sharing my fave choral pieces.
I couldn't think of any other way to start the New Year than to pause and reflect on the Solemnity of the Motherhood of Mary.
In 2009, while preparing for my trip to Spain with my choir, I did my research on our destination which was Torrevieja. The first thing I sought was a church and I was not disappointed. Prayer time is important to me. During our European tour (we went to Austria and Germany too), I knew that I could easily find a church. But how I actually found it is even astounding to me. It was my first time to go to Spain, but one could find their way around if they know how to look--asking directions would be the direct way! So my friend and I asked for instructions on how to go to the city proper of Torrevieja. I asked if the church is along the bus route. True enough, it was!
The Plaza in front of the church
Drawing closer to the church...
This post is dedicated to the Blessed Mother Mary--mother of Jesus Christ. Oh how I'd love to sing and bask in the presence of the Mother of God! I am speechless and humbled before the Gracious Lady. Admittedly, when I took the picture below, I was shaking in awestruck at one of the most beautiful images of our Blessed Mother.
Our Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion, Torrevieja, Spain
An Image of Our Lady taken from the Diocesan Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus -- where I went to church this morning. :)
In honoring Mary, we also honor the Lord Jesus Christ. Her grace comes from her own Son and it is quite impossible to speak about Mary without reference to Jesus Christ. Since we have come towards the end of Christmas celebration, there is one song that I'll always cherish that pertains to the birth of Jesus--O Magnum Mysterium. The version that you will listen to is composed by Javier Busto. There are other renditions of this beautiful song but I like this version because the "Alleluia" at the end just takes one's breath away! The song begins with the choir "whispering"--O Magnum Mysterium--but if you listen closely, you will realize that this is not just some fancy whispering. Without further adieu, in honor of Jesus and his mother Mary, here is the song O Magnum Mysterium.
Latin text
O magnum mysterium,
et admirabile sacramentum,
ut animalia viderent Dominum natum,
jacentem in praesepio!
Beata Virgo, cujus viscera
meruerunt portare
Dominum Jesum Christum.
Alleluia.
English translation
O great mystery,
and wonderful sacrament,
that animals should see the new-born Lord,
lying in a manger!
Blessed is the Virgin whose womb
was worthy to bear
Jesus Christ the Lord.
Alleluia!
