Jesuit Music Ministry holds concert paying tributes to “Father of Filipino Liturgical Music”

The Jesuit Music Ministry and Jesuit Communications held a concert in honor of Jesuit Fr Eduardo P. Hontiveros, regarded as the “Father of Filipino Liturgical Music,” at the Ateneo de Manila University on October 12.

The gala show took place at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater with the title “Luwalhati sa Diyos (Glory be to God): The Legacy of Fr. Honti.”

The event celebrated his immense contributions to Philippine liturgical music, coinciding with the centennial anniversary of his birth.

Under the musical direction of Mark Anthony Carpio, the renowned conductor of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, a diverse group of choirs, musicians, and performers came together to express their love and respect for Fr. Hontiveros.

The lineup included Bukas Palad Music Ministry, Hangad, Himig Heswita, Jay Gomez, Mike Shimamoto, Koro Ilustrado, Pansol Choir, Tinig Barangka, Young Voices of the Philippines, Musica Chiesa, Musician Friends of the Jesuits, Yvette Parcon, Katrene San Miguel, and Jona.

Born in Molo, Iloilo City, on December 20, 1923, Hontiveros passed away on January 15, 2008.

He had a deep devotion to God and education, in addition to his unparalleled love of music.

He joined the Society of Jesus in 1945. He taught theology at the Ateneo de Manila University, served as a seminary formator, rector of the Jesuit-run San Jose Seminary, and dean of the Loyola School of Theology.

Hontiveros left a lasting impression on history with his excellent musical talent.

He started writing Filipino liturgical songs in the 1960s in response to Vatican II's demand to inculturate the liturgy.

His songs quickly filled the choirs in Pansol, Marikina, and Barangka, close to the new Ateneo campus at Loyola Heights.

His melodies became classics at the Masses due to the nationalism waves of the 1970s, earning him the title of "Father of Filipino Liturgical Music."

The music of Fr. Hontiveros is unquestionably well-known among Catholics.

Generations still treasure his compositions, including "Pananagutan," "Luwalhati," "Santo," "Kordero ng Diyos," and "Magnificat."

The variety of church music sung in Masses today is a direct result of his innovative spirit.

Hontiveros received many honors for his excellence in liturgical music, such as the Papal Award Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (For Church and Pope, 2000), the “Tanglaw ng Lahi Award” (1976), and the Asian Catholic Publishers' "Outstanding Catholic Author" (1992).

He also received the Presidential Medal of Merit from then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, marking the culmination of the award posthumously.

Hontiveros' legacy has impacted the Philippines and the world since his death.

Churches all over the world sing his music, which never fails to uplift, soothe, and encourage those seeking sustenance during Mass.