Retreat with Fr. Manoling Francisco SJ

          When I learned of the news that Fr. Manoling Francisco SJ was to give a retreat to the Magis Deo Choir, I was dead set on attending. Despite the flu, I made myself available. It was a retreat designed for the choir based on Ignatian Formation. Having attended the AIR twice, one with Fr. Mon Bautista SJ and the other with Fr. Vic Baltazr SJ, I was amazed at how the teachings from the past two AIRs seamlessly flowed to the sessions given by Fr. Manoling. 

As a new member of the Magis Deo Choir, I came to understand the role of a music minister. I have always known that the purpose of the mass choir is to inspire and lead the congregation into singing songs of praise and love. Fr. Manoling helped crystallize this. The mass, when sung is a form of prayer and the choir is pivotal to its rendition. The choir should not seek to perform or drive attention to one’s self but to allow the congregation to be truly part of the Eucharistic celebration. While it is important to sing right and to sing well, it is equally essential that the songs sung during the mass are songs that the laity can sing too. That means, being in a choir is for service to others. That is why, the repertoire of a choir must contain liturgical songs that can be sung by all ages, in any demographics and in whatever kind of social class. The mass, is after all, a community celebration of God’s love and presence. This love, this presence of God is accessible to all.

Apart from this insight, I was struck at the process of discernment which Fr. Manoling put into context in the music ministry. It is easy to say, discern God’s will. To actually do it in practice is another thing. This was an area in the retreat where I struggled the most. To be honest, my intentions of joining the choir at the start of the year was to improve my singing and the techniques required of it. I have grown tired of my husband’s complaints. It was time to shape up. My husband plays the guitar with some degree of skill and competence. His tone and pitch, close to perfection. Shame on me if I continue singing in a lousy and sloppy manner. So yes, my reasons for singing in the choir is self serving. But, I am patient with myself. I will allow the seeds of service for others through the music ministry to grow. As Ignatian as it should be perceieved, spirituality and conversion is a process. It takes time, commitment and a lot faith.

In the retreat, I prayed that my participation in the choir is one that is truly in accordance to God’s will so that the work I do is God’s way. In the retreat, my co-choir members prayed for me . As a music ministry, we prayed for each other. Fr. Manoling guided us to  see that serving in the ministry is an apostolic deed. The many questions he posted and shared would serve as guide to always remind us to follow the will and the design of God.I am grateful to be a part of a community that reflects and contemplates on the movements of the Holy Spirit so that actions are indeed discerned. 

I am being idealistic now because, hypothetically, ministries in Magis Deo could also avail and open up to formation sessions and activities designed in Ignatian spirituality. What blessings, gifts and graces await us!