San Lorenzo Ruiz Choir spreads God’s message in New York

San Lorenzo Ruiz Choir, a New York–based music ministry, rendered an impressive performance on March 5 with their angelic voices that echoed the Church of Our Lady of Queen of Martyrs in Forest Hills.

“Our mission through our choir is apostolate music. We share our blessings through singing,” said Leo Paolo Leal, a tenor and music director.

Leal sang the solo love song Kailangan Kita (I need you). The song imparts a yearning to be with someone and professes eternal love.

San Lorenzo choir was formed in 2007 and is composed of devoted Filipino volunteer members from various backgrounds. The group sings at St Lucy’s Catholic Church and at Our Lady of Pompei Church. The choir also renders songs at weddings, baptisms, and special liturgical feasts. In 2007, it sang in Rome to honor San Lorenzo.

The concert last March 5 was sponsored by the Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Charismatic Prayer Group headed by Filipino Americans — Remy Leal and Cely De Borja with Nellie Milite and other core members. The group will also sponsor a pilgrimage to Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts on May 1. For inquiries, call DeBorja at 718-255-1651

“This Seasons of Love concert reminds us that love is what the world needs now so that peace and justice may reign here on earth. May the message of love that is expressed in the songs be shared by all,” said Msgr. Joseph Funaro, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs.

Other musical directors of the choir are Rogelio Penaverde Jr. and Enrico Lagasca. The opening song of the group was Humayo’t Ihayag ( Go Forth and Proclaim). It was a song that praises God through singing. It teaches God’s pure love as He gave his only son for mankind.

The wonderful voices of the singers were heard as they sang inspirational and love songs. Some of the love songs sang were Forevermore, Te Quiero ( I love you) and I’ll be there for you, I’m Yours, among others. The voices of the sopranos, baritones and tenor blended harmoniously that earned applause from the audience. The choir was well-trained and well-disciplined. When the choir sang “Seasons of Love,” it stirred an emotional experience for audience that made them nostalgic.

The audience clamored for an encore and the choir sang the “Prayer” whose lyrics are very inspirational.

“I fell uplifted and blessed that I have this talent, we are sharing music to the community and communicating with the audience,” said John Pio Luce Balingit, one of the soloists.