Saint John Paul II Mission Station
Villa San Miguel, Mandaluyong
February 11, 2024
By: Ren Herminio-Yruma The online launching of "Mga Awit sa Misang Pambata" (Songs for the Children's Mass) held at Saint John Paul II Mission Station at Villa San Miguel, Mandaluyong, on February 11, 2024, was a resounding success.
The event commenced with an opening remark from Rev. Fr. Marthy Marcelo, the priest in charge of the St. John Paul II Mission Station, followed by video presentations introducing the Children's Ministry of St. John Paul II Mission Station and an explanation of the significance of the Children's Mass.
Rev. Fr. Herbert John B. Camacho, the Minister of the Ministry on Children and Youth Liturgy of the Archdiocese of Manila also had a video presentation explaining the significance of the Liturgy for Children. Fr. Herbert emphasizes that the primary goal of this liturgical celebration is to help children understand, value, and love the Holy Eucharist and encourage them to active, alive, and conscious participation in the celebration. He emphasized the importance of children's involvement in the liturgy, reminding everyone of Jesus' call to "Let the little children come to Me" (Matthew 19:14). The Children's Mass serves as the humble response of the Church to Jesus' invitation to bring the children to Him.
To make the songs of the Children’s Mass appropriate to the young audience of the Eucharistic celebration, Fr. Carlo Magno S. Marcelo, the Minister of Catechetical Foundation of the Archdiocese of Manila (CFAM) was tasked to create songs and responses for Children's Mass that incorporates movements and actions to engage the children during the celebration. Mr. Noel D. Espenida provided assistance in arranging the songs, and the compositions was sung by the San Benito Choir from Calapan, Mindoro, under the direction of Mr. Howard Bong Abao. The album of these songs was called "Mga Awit sa Misang Pambata".
A catechetical video was also presented to explain the different parts of the Holy Mass and the significance of the songs during the celebration. It emphasizes the value of singing as a beautiful and impactful way to actively participate in the Holy Eucharist. Through singing in the liturgical celebrations, we glorify God and experience His sanctification as St. Augustine once said, "He who sings prays twice."
The online launching concluded with a Celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided by Fr. Carlo Magno S. Marcelo and co-celebrated by Rev. Fr. Marthy Marcelo. The Children's Ministry movers of the St. John Paul II Mission Station served as the choir and performed delightful and appropriate liturgical actions and animations during the celebration.
Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Carlo Magno Marcelo for launching the "Mga Awit sa Misang Pambata." It is another milestone and a remarkable contribution to the development of Liturgical Celebrations for Children not only in Manila but to the Church as a whole.
Sincerest appreciation also to Rev. Fr. Marty Marcelo, the St. John Paul II Mission Station community, and the CMM team for the successful event.
May the singing of the liturgical songs and active participation of children in the Holy Eucharist lead us to holiness, love, and service to the Lord.