“Exult you just, in the Lord; praise from the upright is fitting. Give thanks to the Lord on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.” (Psalm 33:1-2)
Music has been and will be my beautiful way to help people deepen their faith, evangelize, and to help build churches for the communities.
My music ministry is accompanied by my two Yamaha guitars, which my family gave me 20 years ago. As a way to thank them, I took care of them until today as I celebrated my two-decade priesthood anniversary.
I use my guitars to compose songs; I use it in my talks, seminars, prayers, concerts, music jams, and fundraising musicals. These have been with me through my joys and tears.
The old guitars taught many people especially the youth to play instruments, and responsible stewardship.
The guitars still make beautiful sounds though some of the parts and the sides are already broken.
I recently used them in my fundraising “Lagsak nan Paskua” acoustic concert for the construction of the Madongo, Sagada Church and the concert in Banaue, Ifugao for various projects.
More blessings to those who helped raise funds for the church.
For the financial status, get in touch with Susan Ngangan, chair of the Christ the King Basic Ecclesial Community, Madongo, Sagada. It is our dream to have the church completed in May 2023.
“Sing praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully before the King, the Lord. (Psalm 98.5-6)
During the open forum of the “Youth leaders arise: Season of creation” on Oct. 15 at Teng-ab Complex, a beautiful young lady asked the facilitator, “What is your motivation Fr. Marcs for your full and deep involvement with us, the youth?”
“I involve myself with you, young people because I love you. I want you to be informed, formed, and transformed by the word of the Lord. I want to guide you along your journey as youth and help you unearth your talents – to hone it and be a part of the solution to the social issues around us. I walk with you because I have seen the adverse effects of drugs, gambling, and vices. I have witnessed that anxiety and depression are creeping into your system. I don’t want you to fall into the trap of vices. I don’t want you to suffer depression. I want you to shine and be a significant part of human development.”
I am appreciative of the groups collaborating for peace of mind and peace in the communities. The Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo of the Philippine National Police; Youth Leadership Summit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; mental health programs of Baguio Anxiety and Depression Support Group of Ricky Ducas; Silew by Pharisia Tudlong; Broken Guitar Project and Aggiornamento Music Ministry are examples where music, parenting, counseling, and formation has been employed to touch young people, prevent depression and to heal those already in difficult situations.
Reach me at [email protected].
