Moving fusion of faith and music at their very best

The papal awardee (second from right) with daughter Krina, wife Emmy and son Toma.

MANILA, Philippines – Last December 21, Ryan Cayabyab was honored by the Vatican and Pope Francis with the Catholic Church’s prized Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award, in deep appreciation of his sacred compositions.

The solemn and significant awards rites at the Archbishop’s Palace were highlighted by a high Mass celebrated by Archbishop Socrates Villegas, who penned the text or lyrics of some of Ryan’s sacred works.

A number of excellent choirs, as well as soloist Basil Valdez, performed with fine feeling, making the evening not just a memorable experience, but also a moving fusion of faith and music at their very best.

Insight

In his homily, Archbishop Villegas shared an insight that resonated deeply with us when he pointed out that Filipinos’ love for music makes our prayers doubly rich and powerful.

True enough, as Ryan’s compositions filled the chapel at the Archbishop’s Palace, we felt enveloped in a veritable cocoon of heightened spirituality— brought closer to Heaven itself, literally on wings of song!

Contrastingly, the archbishop’s homily also urged us to understand that, while sacred music is a key component of the continuing dialogue between God and man, the most profound communication is achieved beyond sound, in perfect silence, when the soul is so perfectly attuned to the divine will that it needs no aural aid.

This may sound contradictory to some, but more sensitive souls should be able to appreciate the key distinction.

After the musically enthralling high Mass, Ryan and his family invited their friends to dine with them, and more good times were had during the uniquely healthy repast, which was proudly Filipino from soup (pancit molo) to the kakanin desserts.

It was wonderful to see Ryan being belatedly “rewarded” for his long and loyal musical service to the Church—and even more inspiring to see how graciously and humbly he was receiving the official “holy adulation”—which could turn the heads of lesser men!

That evening, Ryan and Emmy Cayabyab were also celebrating their 28th wedding anniversary, and it was touching to see how their children, Kristina and Antonio, both also exceptional musicians, took deep pride in the gift of music that they shared with their parents—a proud patrimony that they are now also honoring with their musical works!