by Clyde Nolasco
Music, Tears Overflowed at Patron 2019
It was worth going through the heavy traffic of Ortigas and EDSA to watch the musical production Patron of the Arts 2019 last December 12 at the Meralco Theater. This is an annual concert organized by Jesuit Communications for the benefit of the Archdiocese of Manila.
Panunuluyan
This year’s theme was Panunuluyan. Panunuluyan is a Filipino religious tradition that portrays how Joseph and Mary sought an inn during Christmas eve. In the concert, the audience was invited to open their hearts to fully receive Jesus this Christmas.
OPNE
The Office for the Promotion of the New Evangelization or OPNE is the beneficiary for this year’s concert. OPNE is in charge of propagating the New Evangelization in the Archdiocese of Manila. One of OPNE’s projects is the annual Philippine Conference on New EVangelization (PCNE). And to reach out to more faithful, the website Dominus Est.Ph was launched under this office.
Awardee
Part of the program is awarding a notable artist from different fields of the arts. This year, it was Sr. Maria Annunciata Sta. Ana, SPC who received the Catholic Award for the Arts.
Sr. Annunciata is known for her notable contributions to liturgical music. Her most popular composition is “Sinong Makakapaghiwalay.” She has been serving the Catholic church by conducting different choirs for special Catholic gatherings in the country. Up to this day, she serves as Dean of the College of Music and Performing Arts of St. Paul University Manila.
Stars
The stage was glittered with celebrities and choir groups. Tim Pavino, Gian Magdangal, Bituin Escalante and Piolo Pascual graced the event. With them were the Ateneo Chamber Singers, Baihana, Eli Estrella and the Mandaluyong Children’s Choir.
Goodbye
Before the program ended, a surprise number for the Cardinal was rendered by his close friends. Cardinal Tagle was joined onstage by Fr. Ronel Ilano and Fr. Perci Sapin of the Diocese of Imus. His classmates, Fr. Cesar Vergara and Fr. Ed Abaño, also joined the singing.
The night closed with teary eyes as Cardinal Tagle spoke for this might be his final bow for Patron of the Arts.
Cardinal Tagle was recently appointed Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples or Propaganda Fide and is scheduled to move to the Vatican to take his role as part of the Roman Curia in February 2020.
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