A choir holds a significant place in church service. The choir’s primary purpose is to lead the congregation in singing hymns and other religious songs. Additionally, the choir performs liturgical music, which is an essential and integral part of the Catholic mass. The choir’s role is to enhance the ceremony’s spiritual aspect and encourage congregation participation in the celebration of the Eucharist. These ideals are well-engrained in the hearts and minds of the members of the Patronage of Mary Development School (PMDS) Choir.
For JM Postrano, PMDS choir leader, “a choir is regarded as a symbol of communal worship, representing the unity of the congregation in praising and glorifying God. We remind the congregation that they are not individuals acting out their faith but are part of a community of believers. Moreover, we serve as an inspiration and model for others in the congregation to follow, demonstrating the true essence of religious music.”
The PMDS choir has a vital role in the school’s religious activities, creating an atmosphere of reverence and awe, enabling the students to enter into a deeper level of prayer and contemplation. In this sense, the PMDS choir is seen as having a pastoral role, ministering to and nurturing the spiritual life of the Patrocinians. The recent experience of the PMDS choir at mass in Basilica del Sto. Nino, as its choir, on January 10, 2023, is so far their most unforgettable experience this year.
For PMDS Principal, Dr. Rouel A. Longinos, “the PMDS choir plays a crucial role in the liturgy, serving as a symbol of communal worship, an inspiration and role model, and a means to connect with God. Its presence, when properly utilized and directed, can elevate the experience of the students, enriching their spiritual life, and strengthening their relationship with God.”