Research

FATHER PABLITO MAGHARI: A PIONEER COMPOSER OF HILIGAYNON
LITURGICAL MUSIC
Background and Rationale of the Study
Liturgical music, since the call for reforms in the liturgy of the Second Vatican Council more than
50 years ago, has seen a rebirth into the Catholic Church in ways which have transcended the usual
norms of sacred and liturgical music established by the Church in days of old. The translation of
the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass into the language of the peoples ushered in all parts of the world
what seemed to be an abandonment of the Latin language as the official liturgical language, being
substituted already by the dialect of the locality.
In the ecclesiastical province of Jaro and Capiz, that is, the civil provinces of Iloilo, Antique,
Aklan, Capiz, and even Negros and the surrounding islands, there have been certain songs used in
the Mass and the Liturgy in general that have already been imbibed in the minds of the laypeople.
Though separated by long distances and dialects, there is a seemingly uniform knowledge of these
hymns and songs among the locals, all written with Hiligaynon text. These compositions came
from and were composed by Rev. Fr. Eusebio Pablito C. Maghari, a diocesan priest from Antique
who is also informally regarded as the “Father of Local Liturgical Music.”
The aim of this study therefore is to put into writing the life and works of Fr. Maghari. His musical
training, exposure, as well as his career in the said field will be investigated by the researchers.
His works mainly his liturgical compositions will also be gathered, compiled, and ordered in a
chronological manner. With this, the researchers’ goal is to, at least, make a basis for a study
regarding liturgical music and its composers in this region including its history and development.
Statement of the Problem
a. General Objectives
The goal of this study is to document the life of Rev. Fr. Eusebio Pablito C. Maghari; his
upbringing and training which eventually led to his career as a composer for the liturgy. Another
aim of this research is to gather his compositions for the liturgy and order it chronologically from
his earliest works to those which he penned nearing his death. An inquiry about the inspirations
with which he composed some of his mass settings will also be set forth by the researchers. The
diaspora or mass ditribution of his compositions into the region will also be part of this study.
b. Specific Questions
This study aims to answer the following questions: “Who is Rev. Fr. Eusebio Pablito Chavoso-
Maghari?” “How did he acquire his musical skills?” “Who influenced him to be a musician?”
“What musical instrument did he play?” “How, where, and why did he compose his certain mass
settings?” “What were his inspirations in composing and where did he get his texts?” “How did
his work manage to be made known in the region?”
Terms to be Defined
Pioneer – a person or group that originates or helps open up a new line of thought or activity or a
new method or technical development
Composer – one that composes; especially: a person who writes music
Hiligaynon – the local dialect spoken by the natives of some parts of Panay Island specifically
Iloilo and Capiz
Liturgical – relating to, or having the characteristics of liturgy
Music – vocal, instrumental, or mechanical sounds having rhythm, melody, or harmony

Significance of the Study
This study will benefit the local Church of Panay and the surrounding regions especially for those
who want to study and research about the history and development of its own liturgical music. It
will give other researchers a brief glimpse of the genesis of liturgical music of the Panay peoples
and its neighboring areas specifically the role of Fr. Pabs as prime composer of the above-
mentioned type of music. The study will highlight and feature his compositions as examples par
excellence of music for the local Church. This research will also be of great value to the Roman
Catholic Diocese of San Jose de Antique since there are no existing studies regarding their own
patrimony and contribution to the local Church in this region.
Delimitation of the Study
This research will only deal with the life and works of Fr. Pabs as pioneer composer of church
music. Although there are other significant persons who are also contributors in this field, only his
compositions and career will be introspected. As to his works, the researchers will only give
attention to his creations dealing with the liturgy although he has pieces which are also secular in
nature (plays or zarzuelas, pop songs, inspirational songs). The researchers will gather all his
Masses, hymns, and other religious songs and arrange them, as much as possible, by their dates of
composition. If manuscripts are available, the researchers will produce facsimile copies of them
as well as encode them digitally for posterity. Details for these compositions like the inspiration
for composing, style or technique employed, and the likes will be given but not a full analysis
(chord progressions, harmony, form, etc.).

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FATHER PABLITO MAGHARI: A PIONEER COMPOSER OF HILIGAYNON

Background and Rationale of the Study

substituted already by the dialect of the locality.

who is also informally regarded as the “Father of Local Liturgical Music.”

his work manage to be made known in the region?”

new method or technical development

Composer – one that composes; especially: a person who writes music

Iloilo and Capiz

Liturgical – relating to, or having the characteristics of liturgy

Music – vocal, instrumental, or mechanical sounds having rhythm, melody, or harmony

patrimony and contribution to the local Church in this region.

Delimitation of the Study

(chord progressions, harmony, form, etc.).

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