CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Archdiocese of San Fernando led by Archbishop Paciano Aniceto will launch Sunday after the concelebrated Mass and re-enactment of the coronation of Virgen de los Remedios in Villa Del Sol the new "Ite, Missa Est."
"Ite, Missa Est," which means "Go forth, the Mass is ended," is a collection of Kapampangan liturgical songs composed and produced by former seminarian and Sfelapco corporate communications officer Irwin Nucum, in cooperation with the Holy Angel University, Don Juan Nepomuceno Center for Kapampangan Studies, and the Archdiocese of San Fernando.
"Ite, Missa Est" will complement the previous publication of the liturgical compositions of Monsignor Gregorio Canlas.
In his circular letter, Aniceto urged members of the Pampanga clergy as well as the Kapampangan laity to avail themselves copies of the album and songbook.
"The call for renewed evangelization by Pope Benedict XVI assumes various forms and expressions. May this contribution of the laity in the Year of Faith in hymns and spiritual songs show the 'face and name of Jesus' in our Archdiocese. I respectfully urge our priests and kabalens to avail themselves of the copies of 'Ite, Missa Est' to enrich the liturgical life in our parishes and faith communities," the prelate said.
Similarly, the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission headed by Fr. Oliver Yalung, endorsed "Ite, Missa Est" for official use in liturgical celebrations.
"Liturgical Music not only proclaims the words of the Scriptures but also allows God to continuously converse to his people, remarkably through songs. It leads us to penetrate into the spirit of the Word and makes sure that the conversation happens between God and His people. The distinctive quality of Bro. Jose Irwin M. Nucum’s compositions is characterized by striking and often majestic inflections, reflective to dramatic musical developments which poignantly stir the Kapampangan soul, simple but elegant melodic dynamism which reduces active participation on the part of the listener, and straightforward lyrics while being faithful to the original Latin text. These considerations make many of his compositions, particularly those intended to accompany liturgical celebrations, indubitably acceptable for official usage," said Yalung.
Nucum for his part, expressed gratitude to the Church for recognizing and supporting "Ite, Missa Est."
"I thank the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission for officially recognizing and accepting my works for liturgical usage after carefully evaluating their liturgical content, pastoral relevance, sacred musicality and fidelity to our Christian faith. On this Year of the Faith, let 'Ite, Missa Est' open the door of our faith and help us in renewing our relationship with Christ and the Church. Let it be an invitation to self-giving – to become living Eucharist, that is, bread made to be broken for others. The title of the album reminds us that after the Mass has ended, our mission has just begun," he said.
The CD album and songbook contains 16 tracks, the first eight of which include Dalit Ning Kapurian (Hymn of Praise) – a 4-voice majestic entrance hymn based on Psalm 95:2,7 and Psalm 33:1-3 interpreted by Madapdap Choir; Ginu, Pakaluluan Mu Kami (Lord, Have Mercy) –a prayer of supplication interpreted by Councilor Harvey Quiwa; Ligaya King Dios (Glory to God) – based on the newly-approved Gloria of the Mass interpreted by John Roger Objaan; Alleluia, aen acclamation based on Psalms 117 and 150 with a stirring interpretation by ex-seminarian Fil Rodriguez; Ain Ning Kapasalamatan (An Offering of Thanksgiving) – an offertory hymn in 2 voices movingly interpreted by UP Voice Major Norily Baluyut; Dalit Ning Pamitagulaling (Song of Consecration) – composed for the blessing and consecration of the new Lord’s Ascension Church then served by Msgr. Roberto C. Mallari )who is now the Bishop of San Jose in Nueva Ecija) as interpreted soulfully by Jorrel Yap, a local recording artist; Banal (Holy) – where the phrase “Lord God of hosts” is reflected, interpreted beautifully by Love Bonus, a first year high school student; and Papasyag Mi, O Ginu (We Proclaim, O Lord) – based on the newly-approved Mystery of Faith, as interpreted by Fil Rodriguez.
The other eight tracks are King Kapamilatan Nang Cristo (new Eucharistic Doxology for the Mass presider) plus Dakilang Amen (molto grandioso in 4 voices) – sung by Harvey Quiwa and various artists; Ibpa Mi(Our Father) with Doxology – according to singer Mon David;, Kordero Ning Dios (Lamb of God) – with descant interpreted by the Divine Majesty Choir, an all male choir in Holy Rosary Parish shepherded by Bishop Pablo David; Ing Pamilyang Manalangin Abe-Abe (The Family That Prays Together) – with 4-voice arrangement and main refrain based on The Family Rosary Crusade’s “The Family That Prays Together, Stays Together” as sung by the Madapdap Choir; Bapu Maria (Hail Mary) - new Ave Maria interpreted by Miriam Sandico, a music education teacher; Dalit Ning Jubileo (Jubilee Hymn) – official hymn of the Archdiocese of San Fernando on its Golden Jubilee as a Diocese after it won Grand Prize in the Songwriting Contest meant for the occasion in 1998; Salamat ‘ting Pasku (Thanks There’s Christmas) – second prize winner in the prestigious Ligligan Kantang Pasku (Christmas Songwriting Contest) sponsored by the JDN Center for Kapampangan Studies in 2005and interpreted by Eric Robert Santos and some Holy Angel University Chorale alumni; and Himno ng Dakilang Laiko (Hymn of the Great Laity) – declared as the National Hymn of the entire Roman Catholic Laity during the 16th National Biennial Convention and regional gathering in Luzon of the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas. The hymn aptly rallies the Filipino laity on their emerging active role in bringing social transformation as the Church’s apostle of the new millennium. It was interpreted by Eric Robert Santos, former member of the San Miguel Chorale under Maestro Ryan Cayabyab.