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Two Cultures, One Faith--One Song
Jesuit Communications
In today's world, the lines of country and culture have blurred, such that we can say that our way of life is truly global. We know about events happening halfway around the world, sometimes more so than the occurrences in our own country. We listen to music and watch programs from all over. Even our restaurant menus are more and more composed of dishes from various cultures and traditions.
Although diversity is good, it can also be very confusing, especially when it comes to matters of faith. When the lines of culture cross, is our faith necessarily compromised? To cite a very real example: It?s difficult enough to be Filipino, as it is difficult to be Chinese, in this ever-changing world. But to be Filipino-Chinese? And to be Filipino-Chinese and Catholic? A perplexing problem, indeed.
Happily, we have proof that when cultures cross, they need not clash. In fact, two cultures can be woven together to form a fabric that is fit for our faith to wear.
Jesuit Communications is proud to present SONGS FOR WORSHIP 2: MORE HYMNS IN MANDARIN CHINESE, a new collection of Filipino Liturgical Music translated into Mandarin Chinese. From such Jesuit composers as Frs. Eddie Hontiveros, Manoling Francisco, Fruto Ramirez and Danny Isidro, and Bro. Arnel Aquino, SONGS FOR WORSHIP 2 surprises listeners by showing a fluidity that is almost holy. Hearing 'Ang Puso Ko'y Nagpupuri,'One More Gift' and 'I Will Sing Forever' in Mandarin Chinese seamlessly woven into the melody is an arresting experience. Because although the language may be different, these songs speak of the same hopes and joys, the same faith and love, which transcend the boundaries of any culture or language.
It is not by accident, then, that SONGS FOR WORSHIP 2 is lovingly dedicated to two individuals who worked for unity in diversity. Perhaps more than anyone, these two men believed in the ability of faith to unite: Fr. Jean Desautels, SJ, founder of Xavier School; and Msgr. Peter Tsao, SVD, founder of St. Jude Catholic School. Furthermore, students and alumni of these two institutions volunteered their time and talent to sing for this album.
For the Filipino-Chinese Catholic looking for a more meaningful way of expressing his faith, for anyone seeking strength and assurance in a confusing and confused world, SONGS FOR WORSHIP 2 is a testament to the unity that comes from faith. SONGS FOR WORSHIP 2 proves that when cultures cross, they need not only clash; they can consecrate and save.
SONGS FOR WORSHIP 2: MORE HYMNS IN MANDARIN CHINESE is produced by the Jesuit Music Ministry of the Jesuit Communications Foundation, and is distributed nationwide by BMG Pilipinas.
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