FEAST NEWS
Issue 4/ 30 April 2012 5 YEARS IN HARMONY: HIGH FIVE”
FAMILIES SING TOGETHER “In these modern times, there are parents who find difficulty in relating with their children and vice versa,” says Bro Mel B Libre, “In TawagAwit we encourage families to form the core of each of the chapters in the hope that through music and through prayer, we are able to strengthen relationships between parents and children.” Bro Mel, who is a member of the ministry’s Our Lady of Lourdes chapter in Glen Eden, finds inspiration in the families that compose the chapter: “When families sing together, there is that touch of heaven: the joy, the warmth, the harmony of the voices resonate in the church, and churchgoers, I know, are moved to sing as well.” The following families compose the chapter (photo at right shows the first offering of the chapter in 2010): Amiscua, Esclamado, Giganto, Guido, Hebia, Mandawe, Menchavez and Libre. The musicians, Glen Albinto and JV Arenas, are supported by their families when they accompany the group in the mass offerings. “I remember the Go family who have since migrated to Australia,” shared TawagAwit’s Lead Servant, “it was such a delightful sight to see the father Bro Arne encouraging his7-year old daughter, Mia, as she sang as cantor of the psalm in one of the masses (see photo below). Not only did I see the smiles on the faces of the proud parents, but all of those who saw the little girl offer her song to the Lord.” In 2012, the chapter, upon the suggestion of Bro Ferdie Esclamado, started to conduct its gatherings in the homes of members to strengthen further the camaraderie among families. Usually, the families are encouraged to bring one solid (food) – one liquid (drink) to be shared at the conclusion of the gathering; and the start of the socialisation. Consistent with its family-orientation, the chapter has been instrumental in reaching out to other families to organise parish-based music groups including St Patrick’s Taupo and Blessed John Paul II Mass Centre. On 27 May 2012, the TawagAwit-Our Lady of Lourdes chapter will participate in Food & Music FEAST in Blessed John Paul II Mass Centre, Gate 4, Massey University, Albany Highway.