HONG KONG (SE): In adherence to the call of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, for a Synodical Church, the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Migrants and the Simbayanan-KAMMPI organised a “Synodal Journey Song Presentation”, on September 30 at the parish hall of St. Alfred’s Church in Shatin, New Territories. The theme chosen was “Community of One Mind and Heart for Mission”.
The afternoon kicked off with a Mass celebrated by Filipino chaplaincy, Father Jay Francis Flandez, svd, which was concelebrated by Oblate missionaries Father Mark Anthony Serna, Father Dominic Fung, Father Jun Jacobe and Father Petrus Santoso, SCJ.
Father Flandez in his homily talked about the importance of music in our lives. “We can express synodality through music,” he said. He said that when we share our feelings through songs, we can also bring healing to ourselves and others. However, he emphasised that for healing purpose, our songs should be connected with our faith which can make us whole and help us to have peace. “If our pride is more important than our faith, then there will be no healing,” he explained.
Each community is encouraged to present the spirit of “walking together” or “journeying together” in an acapella song composed by themselves. With lyrics in English or English, the songs should reflect openness, active participation, mission and the importance of making decisions together.
All groups joining the song presentation are given a recognition award. St. Thomas the Apostle English Community was given the outstanding original synodal song award, while Our Lady of the Rosary English Community was awarded for the good melody of its song; St. Joseph the Worker Filipino Community was honoured for conveying the best message. The best presentation award was bagged by the El Shaddai group.
The Holy Cross Community, St. Jude Filipino English Community, St. Francis English Community, Sacred Heart Canossian Group and Sunday Group of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Migrants were also honoured for giving musical, inspiring, powerful, creative and expressive performances.
