CLAY IN THE HANDS OF A POTTER

Message to Theotokos Singers on the Occasion of their 9th Anniversary
(Simpler Version for Parthenos)

October 25, 2024

Dear friends, today we’re here to celebrate your ninth anniversary! People call the ninth year the 'Pottery Jubilee.' Just like a potter takes clay and shapes it into a strong pot by baking it, Theotokos Singers have grown and become stronger over the years. Pots are made to hold good things, like food and water. Let’s remember all the wonderful blessings God, the Master Potter, has given to Theotokos Singers during these nine amazing years. We can be inspired by Mary in the Bible and the stories shared by all of you!

"Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene (John 19:25).

1. STABAT (Titindig)

​Mary stood by the cross, showing her deep love and faith, even though she felt very sad. While Jesus' friends ran away, Mary stayed with Him, showing how strong she was inside. Just like a pot is made for a special job, Mary’s life had a special purpose too, which she completed to the very end. Her sadness and sacrifice are a part of God’s big plan, showing how willing she was to trust Him, even when it hurt.

Imagine feeling scared and unsure about what to do next. Your heart beats fast, and you feel worried. This is how 25-year-old Angielo Gargante felt when there was no one left to sing at Sunday Mass in the chapel of Our Lady of Fatima. Most people from the Fatima Youth Choir had moved away, leaving him to decide what to do. Knowing that music is important for Mass and brings everyone together, Angielo decided to form a small group to help. He invited eight others: Ace Gutierrez, Jannah Labagril, Charina Leona, Rose Ann Baclayo, Marriane Gacuma, Evelyn Salagubang, and siblings Lady Princess and Rench Ladrillo. Even though they weren’t experts, they wanted to serve Jesus and honor Mary, the chapel’s patron. Each week, they sang at morning Masses and then shared breakfast together.

On October 25, 2015, this small group officially became known as the Theotokos Singers, a choir dedicated to singing at the chapel. The Bible talks about people who face tough times and stay loyal to God, calling them the 'Anawim.' These people trust that everything happens as part of God’s plan and don’t believe things are just lucky or random. That’s why the first members of the Theotokos Singers are called the 'Anawim 9'—a loyal group who chose to stay and serve. They are blessed, not just lucky."

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes (2016)

Feast of Our Lady of La Naval de Manila, Sto. Domingo Church (2017)

Christmas Time, Manresa Retreat House (2018)

"Sa choir, Ella ang tawag sa akin. Isa ako sa mga OG na miyembro ng Theotokos Singers. 10 years old lang ako nung tinipon kami ni Kuya Gielo para kumanta sa chapel. Honestly, hindi pa talaga kami magaling kumanta noon, pero lagi akong sumasama kasi, to be honest, may libreng food kami pagkatapos ng practice at Misa. Naalala ko pa si Lola Nena, nagbibigay siya ng ₱100 sa amin para makabili ng pan-de-sal, peanut butter, kape, at softdrinks—yun ang usual na breakfast namin tuwing Linggo. Simple lang yung pagkain, pero yung tawanan, kwentuhan, at kantahan ang nagpapa-espesyal talaga. Mga estudyante lang kami, walang budget, kaya pag may mga program na kailangan naming puntahan, nagdadala kami ng kanin at adobo na mas maraming itlog kaysa manok. Magaling magluto si Kuya Gielo, kaya ayos lang! Yung mga simpleng bagay na yun ang talagang nagpalapit sa amin." - Evelyn Salagubang

Evelyn "Ella" Salagubang

"Hey, ako si Pane. 11 ako nung una kaming nag-start sa choir. Naalala ko, tuwing Linggo, talon agad ako agad out of bed, suot kung ano mang damit na unang mahugot ko sa closet para lang hindi ako malate sa chapel. Ligo? Wala na, wala nang time! Nagsisimula kami sa pagdarasal ng Rosaryo, tapos kakanta sa Misa. After noon, tambay kami sa gilid ng chapel, hinihintay ang mainit na pan-de-sal. Minsan, kung swerte kami, dadalhin kami ni Kuya Gielo sa Jollibee Siena, tapos magsha-share kami ng tatlong meal para sa siyam na tao—treat niya yun! Lagi kong inaabangan ang Linggo kasi ang saya ng bonding namin ng mga kaibigan ko. Oo, minsan napapagalitan ako ng parents ko kasi mas madalas akong nasa choir kesa nag-aaral, pero sabi ko naman sa kanila ‘wag silang mag-alala—nagsusumikap pa rin ako sa school, at tinutulungan pa nga ako ng choir friends ko sa homework. Sa paglipas ng panahon, naging parang pangalawang pamilya ko na ang OG Theotokos Singers." - Jannah Labagril

Jannah "Pane" Labagril

​"Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word (Luke 1:38).

2. FIAT (Tatalima)

Imagine Mary as soft clay in the hands of a potter, ready to be shaped however God wants. Just like clay lets the potter mold it, Mary trusted God completely, following His plan with strong faith.

In 2018, the Theotokos Singers had been singing together for three years. They were used to the same group and way of doing things. Then, suddenly, people from different groups, backgrounds, and even some boys, wanted to join the mostly female choir. At first, the choir was unsure. They wondered if it was a good idea to change things when they already sounded good together. But they decided to try it. They became a mixed group with both male and female voices. Over time, they got noticed and were invited to sing at events and concerts, from simple songs to more challenging ones. When the COVID-19 pandemic ended, the Theotokos Singers were asked to sing at the 11:00 AM Mass every third Sunday at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao. They also took on another task, singing at the 12:30 PM Masses on the fourth and fifth Sundays at Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel in Makati.

Sometimes, our plans change in ways we don’t expect. But God, like a potter, has a perfect picture of what He wants for us. When we let go and trust Him, God can begin His wonderful work in us.

CSR Initiative, PLDT Head Office (2018)

Cameo Role in Mañanita, a Viva film by Paul Soriano (2019)

Regular Sunday Assignment, Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao (2021)

Year-end Party in Pansol, Calamba, Laguna (2022)

Regular Sunday Assignment, Mary Mother of Hope (The Landmark) Chapel (2022)

"Hey, ako nga pala si Vincent! Nagsimula akong mag-serve sa simbahan bilang altar boy, at nakilala ko ang “Anawim 9” ng Theotokos Singers kasi malapit lang ako nakatira sa chapel kung saan sila kumakanta. Habang nagse-serve ako sa altar, nakikisabay akong kumanta sa kanila. Ang saya mag-worship kay God kasama ang maraming tao. Naririnig ko yung buong community na kumakanta ng buong puso kapag ang Anawim 9 ang nangunguna—ang lakas ng dating! Di ko namalayan, sumasama na rin pala ako sa practices nila at kumakanta kasama ang grupo. Ilang oras kaming nag-aaral ng mga kanta para sa Simbang Gabi, at sobrang enjoy ko yung pagkakataon na kumanta sa iba’t ibang lugar bukod sa chapel. Regular kaming nagseserve sa Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel sa Landmark, Makati, at sa The Immaculate Conception Cathedral sa Cubao. Inimbitahan din kami sa Fiesta ng Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno sa Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene sa Quiapo, Manila. Nakakapagod siya minsan, pero sobrang worth it kasi ramdam ko ang pagiging malapit ko kay Lord sa bawat kanta. Minsan pinagsasabihan ako ng parents ko kasi mas marami akong oras sa simbahan kaysa sa bahay, pero sinasabi ko naman sa kanila na ang pagiging part ng Theotokos ay nakakatulong sa akin para maging responsible at productive na tao. Kaya bago ako magpunta sa simbahan para mag-serve, sinisigurado ko munang tapos ko na lahat ng gawain sa bahay para masaya pa rin sila na kasama ko ang grupo." - Vincent Macasio

Vincent Macasio

"Ako si Allen, at nagsimula ako sa Ministry of Altar Servers. Noong 2018, sa mga Simbang Gabi, nagserve kami sa Our Lady of Fatima Chapel. Dito ko unang nakilala ang Theotokos Singers, at doon ko talaga nasimulang mag-enjoy sa pagpunta sa chapel. Si Kuya Gielo ang nagturo sa amin ng kung anu-anong dasal at kanta tuwing nandito kami para mag-serve. Lagi niyang sinasabi na parte ng pagiging altar server ang pag-sagot sa pari at ang pagkanta kasama ang congregation. Sa kalaunan, naramdaman ko ang isa pang calling within my call at nagdesisyon akong iwanan ang altar serving para tuluyang sumali sa Theotokos Singers. Ang mga almusal namin, ang mga masayang outing sa Laguna at Antipolo, at ang lahat ng kantang pinagsaluhan namin ay talagang di ko malilimutan! Naiimbitahan pa kami ni Kuya Jeff na kumanta sa PLDT, at let me tell you, sa tingin ko, ginalingan namin! Plus, na-feature kami sa movie ni Paul Soriano na "Mañanita," na pinagbidahan nina Bela Padilla at Felix Roco, kung saan nakakanta rin kami ng ilang songs. Ilan lamang ito sa mga colorful, masaya, at sobrang memorable na adventures ko kasama ang Theotokos Singers!" - Allen Ramirez

Allen Ramirez

"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant (Luke 1:46-48).

3. MAGNIFICAT (Magbubunyi)

​​Mary’s Magnificat is her special song of praise, celebrating all the wonderful things God has done in her life and in the world. Her words show how humble and joyful she is to be chosen by God, just like clay that is shaped by a potter into something beautiful. Mary’s prayer teaches us to be thankful for the chance to serve, even when we feel simple or small.

The Theotokos Singers honor God by using their singing talents to help during Mass and do good things for the community. By doing this, they show everyone how great God is. In 2023, the Theotokos Singers started singing at the 5:00 PM Masses at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Damar Village. In 2024, they got invited for the first time to sing at a big event called the Feast of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene. For a small choir from a barrio chapel, this invitation was a huge surprise! The exciting news is that they will get to sing there again in January 2025. 

When you help others, remember not to brag and say, 'Thank you for praising us.' Instead, give all the credit to God for the good things you do. This will keep you humble and close to Jesus, who is the real rockstar!

Regular Sunday Assignment, Immaculate Conception Parish, Damar Village (2023)

Harana Kay Maria, Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao (2023)

Feast of the Black Nazareno, Quiapo Church, Manila (2024)

Feast of St. Philomena, Most Holy Redeemer Parish & Shrine of St. Philomena (2024)

"Part ako ng Theotokos Singers simula pa noong 2015, 15 years old pa lang ako at 16 kilos lighter. Pinapangarap namin na kumanta sa iba't ibang simbahan at makapaglingkod sa aming komunidad, lalo na sa mga nangangailangan. Fast forward ng siyam na taon, at bukod sa regular na service assignment namin sa Our Lady of Fatima Chapel sa Manresa, Quezon City, kung saan kami lumaki, madalas na rin kaming nagse-serve sa mga simbahan na nakatalaga kay Mama Mary, tulad ng Mary, Mother of Hope, Landmark Chapel sa Makati City, Immaculate Conception Parish sa Damar Village, Quezon City, at Immaculate Conception Cathedral sa Cubao. Noong December 2023, kasali kami sa Harana Kay Maria sa Cubao Cathedral, nakasuot ng asul na dresses at suits. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, 'Wow, talagang choir na kami!' Naimbitahan din kaming kumanta sa Holy Mass sa Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene sa Quiapo, Manila, noong pista ng Itim na Nazareno last year, at iniimbitahan ulit kaming kumanta sa Fiesta Mass sa January 2025. Hindi namin inisip na makararating kami rito, pero salamat sa biyaya ng Diyos at sa gabay ni Mama Mary, nandito na kami. Talagang biyaya ng Diyos ito, at di namin siya matutumbasan. Looking back, sobrang grateful ako kay Kuya Ace sa pagtuturo sa akin ng gitara; sana mas marami pa akong oras para mag-practice ngayon. Gusto ko ring bigyang-pansin ang pagsisikap ni Kuya Gielo nung siyam lang kami na miyembro noong 2015. Sobrang pasensyoso at maalaga siya sa amin. Nagluluto siya ng tuyo, salted egg, longganisa, at fried rice para sa amin noon, at ginagawa pa rin niya hanggang ngayon. Marami na ang nagbago, pero masaya pa rin kaming nagsasalo sa simpleng almusal. Sa huli, malaking pasasalamat kay Kuya Jeff sa pagbukas ng maraming opportunities para sa amin. Tinulungan niya kami hindi lang sa materyal na pangangailangan kundi pati na rin sa aming spiritual growth. Salamat sa pagtulong sa amin na i-organize ang school supplies drive, Living Beads Rosary, at soup kitchen taon-taon bilang paraan para makatulong sa mga bata ng Manresa. We were once in their shoes, and it's fulfilling to be able to pay it forward. Tunay kaming pinagpala. Diyos ang sentro ng aming buhay, at pinaligiran kami ng mga tamang tao para i-guide kami sa aming journey. Para sa lahat, salamat, Lord." - Marriane Gacuma

Marriane "Maggie" Gacuma

"Hi, ako si Lady Princess, at mahilig na akong kumanta mula pagkabata. Part ako ng Anawim 9 noong nagsimula ito noong 2015. Ang dami naming dapat ipagpasalamat habang ipinagdiriwang namin ang aming 9th anniversary. Gusto kong i-express ang pasasalamat ko kay Kuya Gielo sa pag-guide sa choir sa tamang daan kahit noong pakiramdam namin ay hopeless na. Maraming tao ang umalis sa grupo namin dahil sa iba't ibang dahilan, pero hindi siya nawalan ng pag-asa at patuloy na gumabay sa amin hanggang ngayon. Gusto ko ring pasalamatan ang mga kapwa ka-TS ko. Baka hindi na ako kasing active tulad ng dati dahil abala ako sa schoolwork at pamilya ngayon, pero palagi nila akong tinatanggap with open arms tuwing may pagkakataon akong mag-serve. Gusto ko pa ring magsilbi kay God sa pamamagitan ng pagkanta tuwing kaya ko, kaya sobrang appreciate ko yung trato nila sa akin na parang pamilya at yung pag-intindi nila sa sitwasyon ko. Pinakamahalaga, nagpapasalamat ako kay God sa pagkakasama-sama namin sa Theotokos Singers. Tulad ng sabi sa kanta, 'I will sing forever of your love, O Lord!'" - Lady Princess Ladrillo

Lady Princess Ladrillo

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart (Luke 2:19).

4. CONSERVABAT (Magninilay)

​Self-reflection is essential for personal growth. Through introspection, people can discover ways to deal with challenges and improve their lives. Just like pottery shows the skill of the potter, each person reflects the good qualities and character of God. Mary is a perfect example of this; she engages deeply with the special moments in her life, allowing them to shape her faith and understanding. She always looks for God in everything she does.

In 2022, the Theotokos Singers officially became a Marian association of Catholic laypeople. They created a Constitution and Standing Rules of Order, inspired by the Blessed Mother. Following the teachings from the Second Vatican Council's Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, they aim to inspire, support, and connect people, families, and communities. Their goals include encouraging the recitation of the Holy Rosary and receiving the Sacraments (Pray); promoting volunteering and community service (Give); helping everyone sing their prayers (Sing); and providing chances for leadership and personal growth through civic and community engagement (Shine).

In 2024, the Theotokos Singers performed the world premiere of "The Mass of the Theotokos: a Missa Brevis for Congregational Singing" at Our Lady of Guadalupe Minor Seminary. They plan to record this special Mass and feature it in a concert for their 10th anniversary next year. It’s inspiring to see members praying the Rosary daily, attending Mass every week, making monthly confessions, and joining in retreats. These practices help them connect with Jesus.

Thanks to everyone who has supported the children of Manresa through school supply drives, catechesis, the soup kitchen, and the Living Beads Rosary. God sees each member's sincerity and hard work and will reward them in His perfect time. Being part of the Theotokos Singers is an invitation for each member to pursue sainthood and journey toward heaven. May they fully embrace this calling by seeking God in all they do.

Soup Kitchen & Catechesis, Barangay Manresa (2022)

Soup Kitchen & Living Beads Rosary (2023)

School Supplies Drive, Barangay Manresa (2024)

Soup Kitchen and Living Beads Rosary, Barangay Manresa (2024)

Mass of the Theotokos Premiere, Our Lady of Guadalupe Minor Seminary, Makati (2024)

Pathways of Promise Recollection, San Carlos Seminary, Makati (2024)

"Noong nagsimula kami 9 years ago, medyo rattled ako dahil yung mga first members look up to me for guidance, being the eldest in the group. 25 years old pa lang ako noon, at lahat sila ay wala pang 15. Napaka-limitado ng mga resources at suporta namin para sa training sa musika. Si Mama Mary ang naging safe space ko; sa kanya ako lumalapit sa mga alalahanin at hamon sa grupo namin. Hindi madali ang magsimula ng choral group, pero sa tulong ni Mama Mary at sa biyaya ng Diyos, nagawa naming tuparin ang aming layunin in those 9 years. Reflecting back, hindi lang namin naisagip ang naghihingalo naming choir, kundi natulungan din namin itong mag level-up. Talagang pinagpala kami ng Diyos sa mga bagong miyembro at sa tamang mga tao na sumama sa amin sa paglalakbay na ito. Ngayon na siyam na taon na ang Theotokos, hindi ko maiwasang maging emosyonal. Patuloy kaming magsisilbi sa mga darating na taon. Kailangan lang naming gawin ang aming makakaya at magtiwala na ang Diyos ang bahala sa lahat. Dadalhin Niya sa katuparan ang aming mga pagsisikap." - Angielo Gargante

Angielo "Gielo" Gargante

Once upon a time, a group of young people who loved spending time in their small barrio chapel decided to honor Mary and stay faithful to Jesus, our Eucharistic Lord. Today, the Theotokos Singers work hard to lead everyone to Jesus through the loving example of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They encourage a life of prayer, caring for the poor, glorifying God through music, and helping others get involved in their communities.

Dear Theotokos Singers, on your 9th anniversary, may your prayer be: "Lord God, you are the potter, and we are the clay in your hands. Like pottery, help us fulfill your special purpose. Make us strong, like how fire strengthens clay, so we can become beautiful and helpful vessels. Shape us the way you want so that we can serve you. We thank you for choosing us—imperfect and fragile servants—to join in your mission, turning us from dirt and clay into something beautiful. Thank you for marking each of us like a potter marks his creations. May we see you in everything we think, say, and do. We ask this through Mary, the Theotokos, whose prayers are powerful with you. Amen." Once again, happy 9th anniversary, and may all your beautiful dreams come true!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jeff L. Jacinto, PhD, DHum, is an experienced educator and Learning & Development professional. He acts as a spiritual assistant to the Theotokos Singers and has generously supported the group in various ways. With joy, he serves the Church as a pastoral musician, Bible teacher, and mission coordinator. You can find out more about his ministry at www.jeffjacinto.com.