“Pag-Aalay ng Sarili (St.Therese Couderc’s Act of Oblation)” is a slow ballad, 3/4 time signature, E-Major. The Filipino lyrics talk about a complete offering of self to Jesus.
This was made as a Communion or post-communion song for ordinations, vow-taking ceremonies and any mission-sending situation. Download the music sheet after the jump.
DOWNLOAD LINKS:
PDF of the musical piece
(The link will bring you to a page on Mediafire where you can download the file.)
Story Behind the Song:
Back in college in 1991, I was asked by one of our college campus ministry heads, Sr. Reylie de Guzman, rc of the Cenacle Sisters in the Philippines, to compose music for “Pag-Aalay ng Sarili” — Coring Dolor’s Filipino translation of St.Therese Couderc‘s Act of Oblation. The Cenacle sisters wanted to sing a Filipino version of their founding saint’s prayer, and since I had been composing many of the Responsorial Psalms for my college’s special masses, I took it as an honor and a challenge to do so. They loved the song, and have been using it for their final vows ceremonies since 1991.
I composed the music with the idea that it should be a romantic ballad since the lyrics focused on the desire to make every moment an offering of love to Jesus.
The song was originally recorded by two Cenacle sisters: Sr.Bubbles Bandojo, rc and Sr.Susay Valdez, rc — both friends of mine — (along with Arnel dC Aquino sj on piano) in the album Prayers From The Upper Room.
Also, in 2007, Heidi Herrera from the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Milpitas, CA recorded the song for a fundraising CD they released in their parish church. In the version she recorded, Nathaniel Camillo was on piano.
Listen to their version here:
The Source of the Lyrics:
ACT OF OBLATION
by St. Therese Couderc
Lord Jesus, I unite myself to your perpetual, unceasing, universal sacrifice.
I offer myself to you every day of my life and every moment of every day
according to your most holy and adorable will.
You have been the victim of my salvation; I wish to be the victim of your love.
Accept my desire, take my offering, graciously hear my prayer.
Let me live for love of you; let me die for love of you;
Let my last heartbeat be an act of perfect love!
Usage Notes:
This was made as a Communion or post-communion song for ordinations, vow-taking ceremonies and any mission-sending situation. It can also be used as a reflection song.
allen said:
sir lionel salamat po sa composition nyo na ito, im sure magagamit ko ito sa parish namin.
LikeLike
lionelvaldellon said:
Allen, I’m glad to be of help. Praise God through song! And God bless your parish music ministry!
LikeLike
adamtiago said:
This song is my all-time favorite! WOW! Uhm, pwede din po ba 'tong i-duet ng dalawang lalaki?
LikeLike
lionelvaldellon said:
Thanks for the kind words Adam. Yes, this can be a duet of 2 people or 2 voices — gender doesn't matter. God bless!
LikeLike
adamtiago said:
Ah okay po! Salamat po ng marami!
LikeLike
lionelvaldellon said:
Here's Adam.Tiago's choir's version of the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9BzLu-Au4A
LikeLike
adamtiago said:
Naku! Salamat po Sir Lionel! What an honor!
You inspired us so much with this song! We will be forever grateful!
LikeLike
Hyvy said:
Hello sir!!! Salamat po sa beautiful song na composed nyo. You really really inspired us. Through your song I expressed my love for the Lord. Salamat po talaga. Ako po pala yung kasama ni adam sa pagkanta ng Pag-aalay ng Sarili. 😀
LikeLike
lionelvaldellon said:
Glad to be a blessing! Keep singing for the Lord!
LikeLike
Hyvy said:
😀
I will Sir. 😀
LikeLike
Ramil Reyes said:
Hello Sir, May God Always Bless You!
Keep up composing a liturgical songs for the Lord
Thank You Very Much Po sa Music Sheet.
Ramil
LikeLike
Joseph Liwanagan said:
Sir Lionel, could you also provide the exact music sheet used in the song? Thank you so much po! God bless! This song cuts to the heart!
LikeLike