THE UST Santisimo Rosario Parish is set to have its own hymn dedicated to its patroness, Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario, as eight finalists compete for the first-ever parish hymn-writing contest on Sept. 27.
The contest, named “Dalit Handog sa Ina ng Santisimo Rosario,” was the brainchild of UST Parish Priest Fr. Paul Talavera, O.P., meant to promote devotion to the patroness, also known as the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of UST.
“He (Talavera) said it is about time that we have a song for her,” Juan Paolo Alvarez, head of the Social Communications Ministry of the parish, told the Varsitarian.
“He envisioned na magkaroon sana ng sariling hymn ang birhen ng UST that we can use for the novenas and for daily masses.”
Alvarez said this would be the first time the parish held a hymn-writing contest.
Aspiring composers came from various backgrounds, some of them music professionals and amateurs, choir members, students, parishioners, and people from the nearby vicariates and churches.
“It is more exciting to know that the devotion to our Lady of the Rosary of UST is flourishing, not only to the Tomasian community but to people outside the campus and even abroad,” Alvarez said.
Out of some 20 participants, the eight finalist hymns will be performed by soloists and choirs, accompanied by the UST Conservatory of Music Ensemble:
- “Papuri sa Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario” by R. Mallari & M. Suarez
- “Dalit sa’yo, Ina ng Santisimo Rosario” by I. Hernandez
- “Birheng Ibig nami’t sinta” by M. Ricohermoso
- “Beneath thy protection” by Z. Diaz
- “Awit ng pagpupugay sa Birhen ng Santisimo Rosario” by X. Alvarez
- “Salamat, O Inang Mahal” by M. Arellano
- “Ina ng Biyayang walang hanggan” by G. Casuga, A. Peralta and M. Abellana
- “O Mary, Our Blessed Mother” by F. Punzalan and M. Atienza
The hymn entries were screened and selected on Aug. 15 by priest-composers Fr. Giuseppe Pietro Arsciwals, O.P., Fr. Nilo Mangussad, and Fr. Carlo Marcelo.
Alvarez said the finals night will coincide with the parish’s benefit concert aimed at raising funds to upgrade the sound system of the parish choir.
Performing in the concert are the duo “Fratres,” consisting of Arsciwals and his partner Fr. Carlo Rey Canto, O.P, and Jaime Rivera, also known as the “Inspirational Diva.”
Tickets for the finals night and benefit concert are available at the parish lobby and office. Vince Alfred M. Pillagara
