The ever prolific Erwin Cabucos has sent me a song he wrote about Jose Maria de Manila.
He told me about the man:
The new beato Blessed Jose Maria de Manila was beatified by Pope Francis on Oct 13, 2013 in Tarragona, Spain. A Filipino with Spanish blood; he grew up and wished to remain in the Philippines, hence the title. His feast day occurs every Nov 6, close to Christ the King. Significantly, his writings, devotions and last words were of: ‘Long live Christ the King!’ He was a friar of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin and a martyr during the Spanish Civil War. He would soon be the 3rd saint to come from the Philippines following St Lorenzo Ruiz and St Pedro Calungsod.
I need the help of fellow Catholics to broaden my appreciation of the faith, as my experience is a narrow Australian one.
This song will be very good for Catholics from the Phillipines, some of whom have read this blog over the years and the the many Australian Catholics originally from the Phillipines. Diluting the Irish Catholic dominance of Australian Catholicism might assist participation in the mass. I don’t think that has been a strong suit of the Irish in Australia.
The sheet music is available here.
I made a backing:
1. God of hope you have given us a beacon of holy life,
Jose Maria de Manila.
He showed us to trust in You and stand up for the faith,
As we strive to follow Christ to heaven.
Refrain
Long live Christ the King, Viva Cristo hear our needs and pleas, we pray.
Jose Maria de Manila, pray for us, ipanalangin mo kami.
Pray for us, ruega por nosotros
2. God of faith you have given us martyrs from this world,
Like Jose Maria de Manila.
He showed us to embrace the trials we face,
As we hold to you for strength and grace
(Refrain)
3. God of love you have given us an icon of charity,
Jose Maria de Manila.
He showed us to live your Word in justice and peace,
As we care for those broken and lost.
(Refrain)
© 2025 Erwin Cabucos