Papal Nuncio Award for Ryan

MANILA, Philippines - Ryan Cayabyab has received the highest medal the Papacy gives to the laity, the Papal Award Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice. 

The award was for Ryan’s contributions to the church through relevant musical compositions, including his numerous choral pieces, six congregational Masses, two Latin Masses, sacred songs, psalms and musicals with religious themes (Magnificat, Ang Birhen ng Caysasay and Lorenzo).   

The conferment happened in a Pontifical Mass held at the Chapel of Villa San Miguel last Dec. 21. The Mass was officiated by Archbishop Socrates Villegas, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Lingayen Dagupan, who said in the homily that Ryan is being given the award “not (only because of) the number of sacred music Ryan has created, but the love he gave in writing every piece.”  

All the songs in the Mass were by Ryan, performed by The Philippine Madrigal Singers, the Ateneo Chamber Singers and former members of the San Miguel Master Choral conducted by Jonathan Velasco. One of the highlights was the premiere of the song Miserande Atque Eligendo, co-written with Fr. Soc based on the motto of Pope Francis.

Ryan is extremely honored with the award, which he considers one of the most significant acknowledgments in his illustrious career. The award came with a gold medal, a certificate and a pin. Ryan and his family intend to fly to the Vatican in Rome next year.   

The maestro shared that he was a choir member at age six, singing in Latin and English Masses, which planted and fostered his love for sacred music.

“The beauty of the prayers lends to the music effortlessly,” said Ryan, who intends to write music with more “gravitas” in the coming years.

Asked which of his sacred works he holds closest to his heart, Ryan said that it was like a father being asked to choose among his children.

“Wala akong mapili kasi all of them are a labor of love. I certainly did not expect to be recognized for them because for me, being blessed to be a channel to write the music is the reward itself. 

“I’m always excited to write music and more so, these sacred works. They are milestones in my life; a timeline that marks who I am, how I think at the time and where I am in life when each one was made.”

Other awards that Ryan had won for his sacred works include Original Music Composition for Dance in the 2000 Onassis International Cultural Competition in Greece for the songs in Misa 2000. The album also won as Best Religious Album in the 2004 Catholic Mass Media Awards.