150-member choir preparing for Pope Francis’ Manila Cathedral mass

The 150 singers who were chosen to sing for the Pope Francis' Mass at the Manila Cathedral on Friday have been practicing the songs for the Eucharistic celebration. 

 

According to a report on GMA News TV's Balitanghali on Monday, one of the 20 songs they will sing is "Ikaw Ay Pedro," which will be played when Pope Francis march towards the altar. 

 

The song was written by Brother Ferdinand Bautista, who is the music minister of the Manila Cathedral and overall coordinator for music for the papal visit.

 

Although the Mass will be attended by the clergy and other religious people, the songs have been chosen to continue to strengthen the faith of the attendees. 

 

"Ang musika kasi ay merong kapangyarihan para ito ay manuot sa ating isipan at sa ating mismong buhay; at ito'y manatili sa pamamagitan ng musika rin ang mga salitang ginagamit sa misa, ang salita ng Diyos ay nakakapasok sa ating isipan, sa ating kaluluwa," he said. 

 

They may be pressured to sing for the head of the Roman Catholic Church, the members of the choir are still excited to offer their voices for the papal mass. 

 

"Hindi ko inaasahan na ibibigay sa akin ang tungkulin na ito bilang isang cantor sa misa ng Manila Cathedral," cantor Nonon Baang shared. 

 

Aside from singers from the National Capital Region, the choir assigned to sing at the Manila Cathedral will be joined by singers from Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. —NB, GMA News