Two former Varsitarian editors composed a song to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the declaration of Our Lady of La Naval de Manila as patroness of Quezon City.
“Tunghayan Kami, Inay” was written by former Varsitarian editor in chief Bro. Eugene Dominic Aboy, O.P. and Filipino editor Bro. Joenner Paulo Enriquez, O.P., in collaboration with OPMusik, the music ministry of the Filipino Dominican family, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In an interview with the Varsitarian, Aboy likened the “gloomy and melancholic” vibe of the lyrics to the stringent restrictions and periodic lockdowns that halted the La Naval festivities in 2020 and 2021.
“I was really overwhelmed to see the flood of devotees back in church again. I silently whispered to Mama Mary, ‘See how your children love you, Mother,’ which eventually became the chorus and the title of the song,” he said.
Devotees flocked to the Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City on Oct. 9, 2022, as a grand procession for the ivory image of La Naval, commemorating the 1646 naval victory over Dutch Protestant invaders, was held after a two-year hiatus.
Aboy sought inspiration from the Virgin Mary’s maternal care and her willingness to protect her devotees and deliver miracles.
“She never disappoints us because even after three years following the worldwide disaster, not to mention our personal struggles and problems, we’re still here – believing, hoping, and loving. That is the most powerful sign for us in these trying times, as expressed in the song,” Aboy said.
For Enriquez, the 50th anniversary of the declaration of La Naval as patroness of Quezon City signified Mary’s presence in history.
“This scenario perfectly mirrors the line, ‘Tunghayan kami, bayang sa’yo sumisinta, umaawit, nananalig at puno ng pag-asa.’ As the people pray with tears but with hope in their eyes, one cannot but recognize how these faithful, despite the uncertainty of the time, continue to place their trust that the blessed will intercede for us,” he told the Varsitarian.
The Quezon City Council passed a resolution dated Aug. 21, 1973, declaring La Naval as the patroness of the city. Pope Paul VI confirmed the title through a decree issued by the Sacred Congregation for the Divine Worship on Aug. 26, 1974. Ammiel B. Maestrado
