Archdiocese of Davao Holds First-Ever Music Ministry Convention

In a historic gathering of faith and music, the Archdiocese of Davao successfully held its First Archdiocesan Music Ministry Convention on April 25, 2026, at the Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao, drawing approximately 2,300 liturgical music ministers from 43 parishes and private Catholic schools across the archdiocese.

The participants, composed of choir members, cantors, instrumentalists, and liturgical music coordinators, came together in a shared mission of deepening their understanding of sacred music and strengthening their role in the Church’s liturgical life.

The convention formally opened at 8:00 a.m. with an opening program. In the opening remarks, ALC Music Desk Internal Coordinator Mr. George Baclay presented the rationale of the convention. He underscored the significance of the gathering, describing it as a milestone event. He noted that while previous assemblies combined music ministers with the Lectors, Commentators, Choir, and Psalmists (LCCP), this year marked the first time that liturgical music ministers convened independently, which highlighted the growing recognition of their vital and spiritual role in the Church.

After the opening program, a Holy Mass was solemnly celebrated, presided by Msgr. Paul Cuison, JCD, with several priests from the archdiocese concelebrating. The celebration coincided with the feast of Saint Mark the Evangelist, adding deeper spiritual meaning to the occasion.

In his homily, Msgr. Cuison reflected on the indispensable role of music in the liturgy. He emphasized that while some divine realities may transcend human language, they are profoundly expressed and experienced through music. “There are truths of God that may not be fully comprehended by the mind, but are deeply felt by the heart through music,” he shared.

The convention proceeded with a series of plenary sessions aimed at formation and renewal. The first session was delivered by Rev. Fr. Amiel E. Arado, DCD, Director of the Archdiocesan Music Ministry, who spoke on the shortcomings of liturgical music ministers. His talk highlighted essential do’s and don’ts in the ministry, grounded in the norms of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. He emphasized proper practices in Eucharistic celebrations, as well as in funeral and wedding liturgies. Among the key reminders was the consistent singing of the Alleluia in all liturgical seasons, except during Lent.

The next plenary session focused on the spirituality of liturgical ministers, delivered by Msgr. Florencio P. Salvador Jr., SSJV, SLD, who encouraged participants to ground their ministry not only in skill but in a deep and authentic relationship with God.

For many attendees, the convention was both formative and enriching. Art Brian M. Nano, Choir Moderator of Koro Marello and SFDA Choir of San Francisco de Asis Parish Tagakpan, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate. He shared that beyond learning from the sessions, the gathering also promoted fellowship among music ministers from different parishes, which also strengthened their sense of community.

The Archdiocese of Davao Music Ministry expressed its heartfelt gratitude for the success of the first-ever Music Ministry Convention, recognizing it as a meaningful step toward forming liturgical musicians who are not only skilled but also deeply rooted in faith. More than a gathering of talents and voices, the convention underscored that every song offered in the liturgy is not merely a performance, but a sincere act of worship: an offering to the Lord. As echoed in the words of Saint Augustine of Hippo, “he who sings well prays twice,” a reminder that the music ministry, at its core, is a sacred expression of prayer within the Holy Mass. (Jeffren P. Miguel, SFDA SoCCom)