Franciscan friar honored for music that touches lives
(Published Date: October 22, 2010)
THE local government of Calbayog in the central Philippines declared Franciscan friar Marlowe Asim Rosales an “adopted son” of the city for his “dedication and zestful service” in using music to touch the lives of people.
The government said it honors the friar, a member of the Franciscan Province of the San Pedro Bautista, for organizing a social program “to encourage the youth to engage in music instead of vices.”
“You changed the world,” a nun told the Franciscan priest who organized an orchestra composed of young people that now performs around the country.
“Words are not enough to contain my thoughts, but I am proud to say ‘Calbayognon na ak (I am already from Calbayog),’” Father Rosales said after learning of the accolade accorded him by the government.
(April 10,010) Fr. Marlowe Rosales, ofm conducting the CKC-Jose Gomez Symphony Orchestra and the Grand Centennial Choir during the Centennial Thanksgiving Mass at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. The said Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Papal Nuncio Edward Joseph Adams. It was held in celebration of the Centenary of the Diocese of Calbayog. (Photo by Henry Puyat)
The priest organized in 2007 the Jose Gomez Symphony Orchestra, named after the late Jose Cinco Gomez, a musician who helped uplift the spirit of the people through music during World War II.
The local government of Calbayog said Father Rosales “revives the legacy” of Gomez and touched the lives of people “through the expression of music.”
Father Rosales studied his craft at the Conservatory of Music of the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas where he finished Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Conducting in 2001.
He also took his Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry and attended Sacred Music Composition in Paul IV Liturgical Institute, in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.
With students who had bare knowledge of music, much more reading musical notes, Father Rosales painstakingly taught the youth of his parish.
Franciscan Father Baltazar Obico, Ministerial Provincial of the Franciscan Province, noted that Father Rosales work with young people is consistent with the mission of the Franciscans in the Philippines.
“During the early years, Franciscan friars involved themselves in educating Filipinos through music,” said Father Obico.
For his students, Father Rosales is an “extraordinary priest.”
“Truly, ‘Music is the language of the heart and soul,’ and teaching it to a group of high school students is a major headache,” said Christopher Robert Rosales, flautist of the orchestra. “He is heaven-sent,” he added.
