Pinoy rockers, musicians celebrate papal visit through an album

 

Alfonso also told GMA News Online that the songs have been chosen to highlight either an aspect of Pope Francis as a Jesuit and/or as an admirer of St. Francis or the theme of the papal visit, which is "mercy and compassion," thus the album title. 

 

"The songs have been delicately chosen. Each song prayerfully reflects on either the person of Pope Francis or the theme of his visit, which is mercy and compassion, or habag at malasakit," he said.   

 

Since Pope Francis is a Jesuit, for example, Jesuit Communications included a new version of the popular Mass staple "Take and Receive," which is considered to be St. Ignatius' song and therefore the theme song of every Jesuit. 

 

Alfonso also hoped the album's songs "inspire us all to follow in the footsteps of this merciful servant of our Lord." 

 

In a phone interview with the Assistant to the Director of Jesuit Music Ministry Rey Malipot, he said that the album was not meant for a public release. It was only meant as a gift to Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope. But as of posting time, Jesuit Communications is pushing out 1,500 copies while Universal Records is planning to release another 1,000 copies. 

 

Celebrating the pope's coming through an album only makes sense as Jesuit Communications is known for its liturgical music, Malipot shared. 

 

Alfonso also said that Jesuit Communications' composers were so inspired and eager to write new songs for the papal visit that all of the tracks except for two are brand new. 

 

Rockers singing for the pope 

 

The Jesuit Communications director also shared with GMA News Online that they really intended to feature both religious and secular musicians in the album to stay true to Pope Francis' ways. 

 

"The mix of secular artists/musicians and 'religious' ones (our stable of choirs and musicians) was intentional. It is in line with the Pope's spirit of dialogue, of acceptance, of reaching out, of working together above our differences," he said. 

 

The Jesuit Communication director also shared that they are glad to have singer/songwriter Aia De Leon on board even, though she is a born-again Christian. 

 

"She was very open and passionate when doing the project," Alfonso said. 

 

De Leon, whose claim to fame was being the lead singer of Filipino rock band Imago from 1997 to 2013, said that the message of the song "Mercy and Compassion" serves as a reminder for everyone who follows Christ. 

 

"The message of the song is a much-needed reminder for us all: how Jesus has given us this privilege of coming into human history, devoid of His majesty. [He] came and lived His ministry, demonstrating mercy and compassion to the end. The ultimate act of that was fulfilled in the victory of the cross," she pointed out. 

 

"Mercy and Compassion" was written by Noel Miranda. Its lyrics include this line: "Jesus, you are mercy and compassion for us all. You are our savior. Jesus, make us mercy and compassion for the world." 

 

 

"May the papal visit only serve as a pointer to the real reason for our faith and salvation. The one who deserves all the glory—our Lord Jesus Christ," De Leon added. 

 

Another Pinoy rock singer who sang for the album is Ebe Dancel, the front man of the defunct rock band Sugarfree. He performed "'Di Magmamaliw" written by Toto Sorioso for the papal visit album. The rock singer said that he decided to record the song for two reasons.

 

"I am a big Toto Sorioso fan (and) I've always wanted to record a praise song," Dancel said. — VC, GMA News

 

To get a copy of "Mercy and Compassion," visit Jesuit Communications at Sonolux Bldg., Seminary Dr., Ateneo de Manila University. You can also call the Tanging Yaman store at 4265971 to 72 local 112-113, email tanging.yaman@jescom.ph, or visit the Tanging Yaman kiosk at SM Megamall. It will also be available in religious outlets and all Universal Records stores.