Mother of All an album tribute to the Blessed Mother - SOUNDS FAMILIAR

Servant of All, the inspiring collection of songs and prayers from Viva Records released to honor Pope John Paul II on his birthday, has already turned Platinum. That means that the album has already sold more than 80,000 copies and that there are now an even bigger number of people whose lives were touched by this wonderful production.

Inspired by the enthusiastic response to the album, the producers of Servant of All have come out with a worthy companion piece. This is Mother of All, an album dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is also made up of songs interspersed with prayers, bits of poetry and excerpts from the Scriptures, that extol the life and the virtues of the Mother of God. Again, like Servant, it takes the listener through an entire cycle of devotions that may not be as complete as the Rosary but is every bit as heartfelt and meaningful.

Singer and TV personality Jeanne Young, who came up with the idea for Servant of All is once more in charge of the production. Together with Alwyn Cruz and Guia Ferrer of Viva Records, they chose the selections that will go into Mother of All. Then they went in search of the right celebrities who would sing the songs and do the readings.

This quest did not prove too difficult, as there were many who eagerly lent their time and talent to the project to honor Our Lady. Because of this the producers were once more able to make sure that everything about the album, like the arrangements, the performances and even the cover would be of top-most quality and worthy of being dedicated to the Blessed Mother.

The album leads with an introduction by Fr. James Reuter, S.J. This is followed by Mother of All, Mary Most Holy, performed by Regine Velasquez. This is a new work expressly composed by Fr. Carlo Magno Marcelo, which became the title cut of the album. The young priest also wrote the glorious and very successful Jubilee Song, which was sang by Donna Cruz in Servant.

From there, the album goes on through songs, readings and prayers about the important events in Mary’s life. Lydia Sison requests that we pray the Rosary. Fr. Juni Jesena and June Keithley say the Angelus. Mel Tiangco and Boots Anson-Roa act out the Visitation. Alissandra Martinez recites Lovely Lady. Jay Sonza relates the Nativity. Ronnie and Mariz Ricketts say the Prayer to the Holy Family.

Albert and Liezl Martinez retell what happened at the Wedding in Cana. Msgr. Renato Frias reads The Crucifixion. Eddie Garcia joins in for the bequest made at the foot of the Cross. Fr. Anton Pascual and Pat Castillo tell of Pentecost while Fr. Benjamin Y. Sim, S.J., takes on the Assumption and Coronation. Msgr. Fidelis Limcaco reads A Prayer for Priests and Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz, JCD, DD says the Act of Consecration of the Filipino Nation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The songs performed are a varied lot. Not all of these were composed for the Blessed Mother but they express the sweet sentiments and high esteem that the Filipinos have for Her. Maria, from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story by the powerhouse trio of Bert Nievera, Marco Sison and Lloyd Umali; the Bach-Gounod Ave Maria by Eugene Villaluz; Tanging Yaman by Basil Valdez, Let It Be, by Maxine, Dear Lady of Fatima and Mother of Christ by Aiza Seguerra.

Silent Night by Sharon Cuneta; You by Judy Ann Santos, Daghang Salamat Maria by Donna Cruz; I am Here (I’m Your Mother) by Jeanne Young; Shout to the Lord by Ivy Violan; Mama by the Wiseguys; Keep the Candle Burning by Cacai Velasquez; Salve Regina by Mitch Valdes; Pinky Marquez, Jacqui Magno, Leah Navarro and Marivic Benedicto; Sa Iyo Lamang by Christopher de Leon and Holy Mother by Wency Cornejo.

I know that a lot of people who have already discovered the joys of Servant claim they can listen to the album again and again. But that is no reason for them not to find out what Mother of All has to offer. It is also a beautiful way to call on Her. Mother Mary always comes to us in times of trouble and we need Her now more than ever.