Rhythmic Laudato Si – A Night of Faith, Music, and Laudato Si
From Hope to Action Our Lady of Remedies Parish (Malate Catholic Church)
May 23, 2026 | Saturday, 7:00 PM

On May 23, the parish community gathered for Rhythmic Laudato Si, a night of faith, music, poetry, and reflection centered on the Scriptures and Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si. The celebration took place on the eve of the 11th anniversary of the Encyclical’s release.

The evening began with a candlelit processional accompanied by drums and symbols of creation. The program unfolded through music, dance, poetry and community chants, inviting everyone to celebrate the rhythms of creation.

Scripture readings, excerpts from Laudato Si, and personal reflections offered by parishioners highlighted the relevance of the encyclical in daily life. The OLRP Choir, together with Taks Barbin, well known composer and musician, enriched the evening with songs such as Canticle of the Sun, Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace, and Let There Be Peace on Earth.

Poetry readings and quiet moments of reflection deepened the community’s encounter with faith and creation. Mike Guatno delivered his own poem about Kalikasan, while Fr. Leo Distor delivered the Desiderata with passion both in its original form and in the vernacular, giving the piece a deeper dimension. Joy Figuron and Fritz Lipayon, talented parish volunteers, also gave their personal interpretation of Joyce Kilmer’s Trees and it’s translation, Punongkahoy, by well known poet, Rufino Alejandro.

A significant moment was the Community Eco Action Pledge, where participants wrote and shared their commitments to care for the earth, symbolically placing them on the “earth board.” This act embodied the theme of the night: moving from hope to action.

The program concluded with a prayer for creation and a final community song, Laudato Si’ O mi Signore, followed by fellowship and joyful jamming. Rhythmic Laudato Si was more than an event—it was a communal witness to the call of Laudato Si: to respond to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor, and to live out our faith through concrete action.

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