GMA pays tribute to Fr. Hontiveros

President Arroyo yesterday led the nation in mourning the death of Fr. Eduardo Hontiveros S.J. and paid tribute to the man “whose exceptional contribution to the growth of liturgical music has bequeathed a spiritual nourishment for our nation.”

“His prayer songs, from Pananagutan, Luwalhati, Santo, Kordero ng Diyos and Magnificat, among others have colored and enriched the rituals of our church gatherings in the Holy Mass and other religious celebrations, giving praise and thanksgiving, reflecting our petitions, contrition and love for the Almighty,” Mrs. Arroyo said in a statement.

“We acknowledge with esteem, appreciation and affection his legacy which continues to bond Filipinos together in prayer and celebration of music,” the President said.

Fr. Hontiveros, dubbed as the Father of Filipino Liturgical Music, has lived decades of his life inspiring others as a priest, theology professor, seminary formator, musician, composer, and artist.

As a pioneer of artistic creation through sacred music in the vernacular, “Fr. Honti” has served as an inspiration to generations of composers, and has been recognized with numerous awards and citations, including the Ateneo de Manila’s Tanglaw ng Lahi Awards (1976), the Asian Catholic Publisher’s Outstanding Catholic Author Award (1992), and the Papal Award Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice  (2000).

The 84-year-old Hontiveros died of a stroke last Tuesday.   – Marvin Sy