Tracking
Archives
Singing for the Pope not once, not twice, but thrice
One of the 1,000-member choir that sang for the Pope's last Mass in the Philippines on Sunday is a veteran when it comes to singing during papal visits.
Norberto Edades, a member of the Diocese of Pasig's choir and the conductor of the Pasig Catholic College Children's Choir, sang for St. John Paul II when he visited the Philippines in 1981 and 1995. Last Sunday, Edades was also a part of the "mammoth choir" that sang during the Eucharistic celebration on the penultimate day of Pope Francis' visit.
"Walang kahulili na kasiyahan," he said about the privilege of singing for the popes.
"I am so blessed na sa tatlong bisita ng Santo Papa, kasama kami. Iba yung blessing. Mararamdaman mo na kapag napapalapit ka kay Santo Papa, sinuman siya, hindi mo na malaman kung ano ang mararamdaman mo," he said.
In 1981, he was so overwhelmed when the Pope came near him, he could not sing.
"Si St. John Paul II charismatic e, iba yung dating niya. Makita mo pa lang parang gusto mo na siyang halikan, gusto mo siyang yapusin," he detailed.
In 1995, he was able to be more composed as the choir was placed far from the Holy Father.
"Ngayong third time, we are so excited," the 57-year-old said.
Last Sunday's occasion was even more special for Edades, as he was now singing with his wife and two daughters.
"We enjoyed everything—musically, emotionally, spiritually, lahat andoon na 'yung kasiyahan sa puso mo," he added.
"We are here with many friends—pati mga tumutugtog, marami riyan friends din namin kaya napakasaya ng pagkakataon na ganito."
On Sunday, an estimated six to seven million Catholics joined the concluding Mass of the charismatic pontiff at Rizal Park in Manila.
Edades praised the humility of the 78-year-old Argentine Pope.
"Ngayon, ang nakikita natiin, masyado 'yung concern niya sa mahihirap. Sa tingin ko, ito na 'yung masyadong taong-tao na Papa… Gusto niya parang ordinaryo lang siya e… Damang-dama mo ang pagiging tao niya," he said.
Edades hopes for more blessings for his family and for his fellow Filipinos.
"Magpatuloy sana ang blessing sa family ko especially 'yung kagandahan ng buhay at kagandahan ng kalooban. Nasa middle age na ako, at pauwi na. 'Yung mga anak naman namin ang sana mapaganda ang buhay," he said.
"Ang ganda-ganda ng bayan pero dahil kasi sa maraming di magagandang bagay na nagaganap sa gobyerno, hindi tayo umuunlad sa pag-unlad na dapat mangyari sa atin," he added.
Edades hopes that Pope Francis' visit will result in a positive change for the country.
"Magkaroon sana ng pagbabago sa lahat ng taong maapektuhan nito. Ang pagbabago na hindi lang sa isa, o sa kaunti ngunit sa karamihan, para sa gayon, ang epekto ng kanyang pagdating dito ay hindi masasayang," he said. — BM, GMA News
Norberto Edades, a member of the Diocese of Pasig's choir and the conductor of the Pasig Catholic College Children's Choir, sang for St. John Paul II when he visited the Philippines in 1981 and 1995. Last Sunday, Edades was also a part of the "mammoth choir" that sang during the Eucharistic celebration on the penultimate day of Pope Francis' visit.
Norberto 'Bert' Edades (seen here with his wife) has sung for the pope on three occasions: for John Paul II in 1981 and 1995, and for Francis last Sunday. Photo from his Facebook page
"I am so blessed na sa tatlong bisita ng Santo Papa, kasama kami. Iba yung blessing. Mararamdaman mo na kapag napapalapit ka kay Santo Papa, sinuman siya, hindi mo na malaman kung ano ang mararamdaman mo," he said.
In 1981, he was so overwhelmed when the Pope came near him, he could not sing.
"Si St. John Paul II charismatic e, iba yung dating niya. Makita mo pa lang parang gusto mo na siyang halikan, gusto mo siyang yapusin," he detailed.
In 1995, he was able to be more composed as the choir was placed far from the Holy Father.
"Ngayong third time, we are so excited," the 57-year-old said.
Last Sunday's occasion was even more special for Edades, as he was now singing with his wife and two daughters.
"We enjoyed everything—musically, emotionally, spiritually, lahat andoon na 'yung kasiyahan sa puso mo," he added.
"We are here with many friends—pati mga tumutugtog, marami riyan friends din namin kaya napakasaya ng pagkakataon na ganito."
On Sunday, an estimated six to seven million Catholics joined the concluding Mass of the charismatic pontiff at Rizal Park in Manila.
Edades praised the humility of the 78-year-old Argentine Pope.
"Ngayon, ang nakikita natiin, masyado 'yung concern niya sa mahihirap. Sa tingin ko, ito na 'yung masyadong taong-tao na Papa… Gusto niya parang ordinaryo lang siya e… Damang-dama mo ang pagiging tao niya," he said.
Edades hopes for more blessings for his family and for his fellow Filipinos.
"Magpatuloy sana ang blessing sa family ko especially 'yung kagandahan ng buhay at kagandahan ng kalooban. Nasa middle age na ako, at pauwi na. 'Yung mga anak naman namin ang sana mapaganda ang buhay," he said.
"Ang ganda-ganda ng bayan pero dahil kasi sa maraming di magagandang bagay na nagaganap sa gobyerno, hindi tayo umuunlad sa pag-unlad na dapat mangyari sa atin," he added.
Edades hopes that Pope Francis' visit will result in a positive change for the country.
"Magkaroon sana ng pagbabago sa lahat ng taong maapektuhan nito. Ang pagbabago na hindi lang sa isa, o sa kaunti ngunit sa karamihan, para sa gayon, ang epekto ng kanyang pagdating dito ay hindi masasayang," he said. — BM, GMA News
Go to comments
advertisement
We welcome healthy discussions and friendly debate! Please click Flag to alert us of a comment that may be abusive or threatening. Read our full comment policy here.
Comments Powered by Disqus 
