
THE FIRST official hymn dedicated to Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario, the patroness of the UST Santisimo Rosario Parish, has been adopted in time for parish’s feast.
“Salamat, O Inang Mahal,” written by Martin John Arellano, bested seven other entries in the first-ever hymn-writing competition conducted by the parish on Sept. 27 as part of its month-long fiesta activities.
Arellano, a choir coordinator at the Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Shrine in Sampaloc, Manila, said in his introductory video that his composition was inspired by his experience when he was a homeless 16-year-old.
“Despite these (struggles), I did not stop serving her (Mother Mary) and her children,” he said in Filipino.
“I surrendered everything to them, and that is when all the blessings started to pour. Now, I’ve been blessed with a simple life that keeps on thriving, which I use to help my fellow parishioners.”
The five-minute hymn was sung by Arellano during the contest night, accompanied by the UST Conservatory of Music Ensemble and the Philippine Master Chorale.
It was officially performed during the closing rites of the feast day of the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of UST on Oct. 6.
Arellano told the Varsitarian that the song was also inspired by the parishioners who helped him during a period of misfortune.
“They helped me to rise again. I think the Virgin Mary sent them to me so I could get back on my feet.”
The seven other hymns will be recorded by the UST Communications Bureau and used as recessional hymns for the parish’s daily Masses, according to Santisimo Rosario parish priest Fr. Paul Reagan Talavera, O.P.
The hymn-writing 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. Vince Alfred M. Pillagara with reports from Reya Vincent P. Misa