CBCP asks parishes to sing 9 songs at mass as papal visit nears

Organizers of Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines have been requested parishes to have nine songs — one of them reflecting the plight of victims of recent calamities the Pope will break bread with — sung during mass.

"We request that the songs be sung in your parish Masses, the Gloria in the remaining Sundays in Ordinary Time, Simbang Gabi and the Christmas season," organizers said on social media and online.

Notable in the list of songs is "Laudate Dominum" by Fr. Manuel Fransisco, SJ. The song contains lyrics that refer to devastation, disease and great loss, and how people find refuge in God.

Aside from "Laudate Dominum", the organizers included the following songs:


Alay sa Diyos
Aleluya, Credo
Glory to God
Penitential Rite
Santo
Si Kristo
Tinapay ng Buhay

Pope Francis is due to visit the Philippines from Jan. 15 to 19.

His itinerary includes events in Manila and Leyte. Leyte is among the areas devastated by super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), which left more than 6,300 dead last year.

200 priests from outside the Philippines invited to say Mass with pope in Manila

Some 200 priests from outside the Philippines will be given the chance to concelebrate the Mass with Pope Francis in Manila on January 18.

Fr Rufino Sescon Jr, head of the steering committee for the papal visit, said the 200 slots will be given to priests from dioceses outside the Philippines.

Priests in the Philippines only need to coordinate with their respective dioceses to be able to concelebrate with the pope during the Mass in Luneta Park.

"This is a grace-filled occasion in our priestly life and ministry to break bread with our Holy Father," Sescon said.

"May this experience inspire us further to become merciful and compassionate shepherds. May we become priests rich in mercy and compassion," he added.

The Philippine government, meanwhile, has already started organizing medical teams for the pope's visit next month.

The Health Department said at least 25 medical teams composed of a minimum of four doctors, nurses, and ambulance personnel will be on standby in Manila and the province of Leyte.