After their concerts in Michigan, New York, California and Canada, the singing priests from the from the Archdiocese of Palo in the province of Leyte who call themselves The Peter’ Chord, would have covered more territories than the Biblical Apostle Paul of the New Testament who did at most, four missionary journeys in his life.
The Thanksgiving concert tour is wrapped in a presentation called “Moments of Grace” being undertaken for worthwhile reasons.
Through the gift of music, these men of clothes, consider their journey as “an expression of gratitude, humility, and understanding” as they put their hearts in the act of gratitude on behalf of the flock of the Archdiocese of Palo, whom many of us recall as the ones who bore the most brunt of the Super Typhoon Yolanda which visited Philippines more than three years and left in its wake billions of pesos in physical damages and unimaginable miseries for the families of the close to 10,000 who lost their lives.
ABAOC’s University: The Asian Business Association of Orange County has been known for the diversity of its member-entrepreneurs, a plus factor in its more than 25 years of existence. As one of the most respected nonprofits, it is also known for the many projects it undertakes for the community one of which is the university project it hosted at the Wynham Anaheim Garden Grove as a means of educating the business community on ways to be more effective and profitable. The ABAOC officers are shown (from L-R), Roger Cheng. Edith Andres, Gloria Rull (Directors) Sam Nguyen (President) with the speakers, Sarah Garrette and Gilbert Buchanan, at the conclusion of the event.
The singing priests had found a new prayer to express their gratitude to thousands who stood by them in the hour of their flock’s unprecedented sufferings by extending material, moral, emotional and financial support to help the victims putting their lives back and infused in them a new sense of hope and faith in humanity.
The catastrophe failed to crush the spirits of strong-willed Leyteños even when all else seemed hopeless. Instead, they found out that collectively they managed and were able to slowly bring normalcy to their live.
These verses in the Bible, “And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose” of Romans 8:28 remind of how adversities and trials could be turned later on into blessings with the right attitude of the heart.
Instead of breaking their spirits and resolve, the harrowing experience had made them more resilient and tenacious to rise from the harrowing episode.
In his letter introducing the group’s musical itinerary, Rev. John F. Du of the Archdiocese of Palo stated that “while Yolanda caused unimaginable damage to the lives and properties in the Island of Leyte, the victims were able to stand again with the help of many people around the globe by God’s mercy.”
While the Apostle Paul had a singular purpose for his missionary journey two thousand years ago, the modern version of the missionary as personified by Peter’s Chord have their presentations “anchored on two inspirational aspects – the elements of the Mass which is presented as something very close to human experience that shows the love of God at work in all human activities.
The repertoire has a familiarity with the Eucharistic celebration but with a “twist” as the known songs rendered in the regular Mass will be blended with Pop Music.
The other aspect of the concert is the presentation of the story of repentance of the Prodigal Son interpreted in a musical.
“Moments of Grace” is perceived to be more than a thanksgiving concert as it will also serve as an avenue “to spread the greatness of God’s unceasing love and compassion.”
The concert, according to the organizers “represents the warmth of gratitude to all men of every race who helped and still continues to do so in the rehabilitation efforts of the Archdiocese of Palo”.
Proceeds of the musicale has been earmarked for the College seminary, the Archdiocese Endowment Funds and for the reconstruction of other churches hit by Typhoon Yolanda.
Moments of Grace California Presentations:
On September 8 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary at 4954 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029, Contact-Rowena Dizon-213-447-2009, Mely Trillo-323-646-3673, Eric Cordeta-310-930-5443, Fr. Rey Matunog-323-540-1136, Lidu S. Sano-714-747-6318, Jennie Urbina-Kriz-818-983-9529
On September 10 at St. Michael Parish, 2643 Homedale St., San Diego – Contact-Luz Montemayor-619-228-3338, Parish Office-619-470-1977
September 11, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 426 E 7th St., National City, Contact-619-474-1501