Events: Pope John Paul II beatification to be serenaded by Filipino Choir

Beatification, this is a recognition accorded by the Catholic Church of a dead person's entrance into Heaven and capacity to intercede on behalf of individuals who pray in his or her name (intercession of saints). Beatification is the third of the four steps in the canonization process. A person who is beatified is given the title "Blessed".

This Sunday, May 1, 2011 Pope John Paul II will be the beatified and the Philippines will surely be following this event not only because Pope John Paul II is close to every Filipinos hearts but also a choir composed majority of Filipino migrant workers will be one of the groups that will sing in this momentous event. The group sings regularly at the Basilica of Santa Pudenziana in Rome, home of the Sentro Filipino Chaplaincy.

Performing in the Beatification of Pope John Paul II is being considered as a blessing by the Maharlika Group with many of the members had seen the Pope last 2002 when he himself arranged a special audience with the Vatican-based Filipinos.

In my 32 years of existence, I have been blessed to witness how a Pope is selected and now a beatification of a soon to be Saint. This is a once in a lifetime experience which I will not forget, plus the fact that a Filipino choir will be singing.