On Tuesday, January 20, Notre Dame invited contemporary worship singers and musicians Jesse Manibusan and Rich Aguon to lead students and faculty in song.
Unlike a typical mass, the experience was unique in that it allowed the community to take an active role in the process. The audience was able to follow along to projected lyrics accompanied by wholesome photos and videos. Manibusan led the community in song, while Aguon accompanied the performance with percussion.
The NDB community was able to join together in popular songs such as “Golden” and “Don’t Stop Believing,” as well as Manibusan’s own “All Are Welcome” and more.
Throughout the morning, Manibusan invited students to sing together rather than observe passively. He explained that music allows people to connect emotionally, stating, “It’s been said that music is the cosmic dance – music can convey and take people a little deeper than the spoken word. Case in point, singing ‘Las Manianita’ rather than reciting it, or singing ‘Happy Birthday’ instead of just reciting it. So I’ve learned through the years that [song and music] immediately asks for vulnerability, and that’s why I really focus on everybody just talking together.”
Afterwards, Manibusan remarked, “I just told [Amy Jobin, Director of Mission and Ministry] that to be able to come to an institution for women is an honor, and it’s a great encouragement for me to know that there’s such devotion in bringing, forming, learning from students – as much as students learning from teachers. For some reason, it’s a lot easier to present at high schools that are just young women…it’s always great to come to a women’s institution.”
Manibusan and Aguon had both grown up in Alameda, where they recalled their experiences growing up with the church and learning about the ministry through songl.
Aguon said, “[Singing] was a great other escape where I could just sing. And I had always played the drums.”
On his personal journey of creating music and teaching others about Jesus’ ministry, Manibusan said, “When I’m not making music, I’m quiet as a mouse. My nickname as a kid was ‘mouse’ – out of nine siblings, that was my nickname. But music really helped me find my voice.”
