Sinag Himing Chorale London Launches Mass Of San Lorenzo Ruiz Album In Rome

ROME, Italy — Sinag Himig Chorale London performed songs from the Mass book, Mass of San Lorenzo Ruiz: A Mass Dedicated to Filipino Migrants, at its launch in Rome, Italy.

The album features Alleluia, Glory to God, and other Mass responses in English, as well as two Tagalog songs for communion: Kaluluwa ni Kristo (the Tagalog version of Anima Christi) and Sanlibong Buhay, Sanlibong Alay.

The latter two songs are dedicated to San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, who declared, 'I am a Catholic and wholeheartedly accept death for God; had I a thousand lives, all these to Him shall I offer.'

The Mass book's songs were composed and arranged by Nikko Villanueva of the Philippine Madrigal Singers.

“Our hearts are still full after our concerts in Milan and Rome. What we experienced there was more than just a performance — it was something truly unforgettable for all of us in the Sinag Himig Chorale,” Jarom Pinlac, Sinag Himig Chorale London Conductor, said in a phone interview with TFCN.

“We have always held a dream close to my heart — a dream of a united community, gathered as one, singing a song that speaks deeply to our souls through the power of music,” Pinlac said.

He described San Lorenzo Ruiz as a powerful symbol of this journey, often considered one of the first Overseas Filipino Workers, who crossed oceans not for comfort, but to bear witness to the Gospel and share the love of God with others.

“His courage, faith, and unwavering spirit continue to inspire us.”

“Through this Mass book, we honor his legacy and celebrate the strength, resilience, and deep spirituality of the Filipino people — wherever we may be in the world,” he added.

Pinlac also said the Mass setting is a heartfelt offering of love, service, and fellowship — woven with the enduring resilience and deep faith of the Filipino spirit.

Its recent concert, entitled “Woven: A Tapestry of Faith and Music,” was held on March 28, 2026, at the Basilica di Santa Pudenziana in Rome, Sinag Himig Chorale London launched the Mass Book, which made it an even more special milestone its choir. Aside from the mass book launch, the chorale included some reflective and spiritual songs in their repertoire.

Esto Les Digo

One Thing I Ask

Awit Paghilom

Huwag Kang Mangamba

Tenderly

Likhain Mong Muli

Hesus Ng Aking Buhay

My Life In You

We Are One

The Lord Bless You

On March 25, Sinag Himig Chorale London also sang in the Holy Mass at the Basilica di Santo Stefano Maggiore in Milan and shared a few songs afterward. 'Standing there, singing from the heart while the church was filled with so many people, was a moment we will never forget. We could really feel the warmth, the love, and the deep connection through music. It was emotional for us as performers,' he said.

The Sinag Himig Chorale London is composed of singers from various Filipino communities across England.

Watch the snippets of their performance here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/959267239882682