DCLM HOLDS FIRST MUSIC CONFERENCE

by Darryl Reyes

The Diocesan Commission on Liturgical Music (DCLM) held a Music Conference at the Sta. Rosa City Multipurpose Sports Complex last March 7, 2020. This first-of-its-kind conference in the Diocese of San Pablo was attended by about a thousand musicians from its different parishes.

The day-long conference started with a celebration of Lauds, a liturgical prayer set wholly in song, led by the Master of Ceremonies of the Bishop, Rev. Fr. Edsel Ivan Ramos. This was followed by a keynote lecture on the topic “Sacred Music and Silence” by Longos parish priest and former diocesan liturgy director, Rev. Fr. Christian Edward L. Abao. In said talk, he emphasized the importance of silence in the liturgy, and how sacred music should contribute to its spiritual benefits instead of being a distraction from it.

Afterwards, DCLM director Rev. Fr. Amadeo Alveyra Jr. clarified some principles and diocesan policies on liturgical music, as well as answered participants’ questions during the Director’s Hour, highlight of which is the introduction of the official choristers’ vestment for use in the Diocese. The conference ended with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by the Bishop of San Pablo Most Rev. Buenaventura Famadico, DD.

Among the guests in the conference was the former DCLM director, Rev. Fr. Ireneo Oliver. It was held strictly observing health precautions in the midst of an impending threat of the corona virus spread, with the help of the Diocesan Health Ministry. On the other hand, Fr. Alveyra noted that such conference might become an annual event the musicians of the Diocese could look forward to.