Ministry for Liturgical releases Filipino Exultet

The Ministry for Liturgical Affairs has released a CD and musical score of the Filipino Exultet as composed by Fr. Manoling Francisco, S.J. to all priests and rectors of parishes and shrines in the Archdiocese of Manila.

In his letter endorsing the musical materials, Fr. Genaro Diwa, Minister for Liturgical Affairs said that the “dearth, if not total absence, of a suitable melody and musical score in Filipino for the EXULTET,” moved the office to commission renowned Church music artist Fr. Francisco to produce the Filipino Exultet, that “would convey its rich meaning and sacred place in the Easter Vigil celebration, which is considered the mother of all vigils.”

The Filipino EXULTET in antiphonal mode by Fr. Francisco has a “singable” and textured melody which the presider and the choir and congregation can easily follow.

In sending the musical score and CD of the FilipinoExultet, Fr. Diwa likewise reminded the priests and rectors that “according to Liturgical prescriptions, the EXULTETmust be sung.”

"We hope that these items will help you to celebrate the EASTER VIGIL, a very important liturgical event in our Church, properly and solemnly, and thus inspire and move the people to deeper appreciation of its meaning in our faith and life.”

The Ministry for Liturgical Affairs also released a “As Easter Draws Near,” a short reflection on the Exultet by Fr. Cassian Folsom, a leading Roman liturgist, a Benedictine of the Sant’ Anselmo monastery, who says, “The Exultet is the poem proclaimed at the Easter Vigil in praise of God for the light of the Paschal candle – for the coming glory of the Resurrection.”

As Easter Draws Near (click here)