The thought of putting together a music album for my 25th priestly anniversary was almost a laughable idea. First, I don't believe I can really sing even though I love to sing (And, yes, I am proud of my singing!). Second, I thought the idea of me recording songs, like I did in the mid-90s, had become almost obsolete after I lost all my recording gears during the flood caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Worse yet, that very same year, months before the storm, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer; and the succeeding surgery almost took care of my penchant for singing because I lost my voice for almost four months. I never thought I'd be able to sing again. I could only thank the good Lord for giving me back my voice even if it meant I wouldn't be singing again. Who would have thought I'd be singing again (sans the off-keys here and there), and, more so for my silver jubilee.
Celebrating 25 years of priesthood brings to mind a lot of things. Good things. Tremendous blessings! The gift of faith, the privilege of priesthood, two wonderful parents in mom and dad, nine wonderful siblings, a strong family orientation from both sides of my family - grandparents, uncles and aunts and cousins to the _th degree. Hordes of them! Not to forget the many bishops and priests who have been my inspiration, mentors and brothers over the years, the parishioners from my former and current parishes. And friends - I’m proud to have some of the best around - for support and friendship along the way. And to the ones who showered all these wondrous gifts on me, our Almighty God and Father, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (the Big Boss), the Spirit “helper” and “guide,” and, last but not least, our Blessed Mother, whose insistence and invitation made me say my own "fiat." To all of you I say my biggest THANK YOU! (Fr. Roel)
To view album graphics, go to: THE MARK OF PRIESTLY BLISS CD
To view video, go to: TMOPB CD Promo
BELOW IS A SLIDESHOW TAKEN DURING THE MASS
To view slideshow of RECEPTION click here: SLIDESHOW
TO PLAY ALL THE SONGS INCLUDED IN THE ALBUM, CLICK SONG TITLES ON THE RIGHT-HAND COLUMN (EACH PAGE HAS AN ACCOMPANYING LYRIC)
