SAGRÅDA FAMILIA : TONÅDAN INALÅHAN

 

This is a Chamorro hymn to the Holy Family (Sagråda Familia), who are Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

This particular tune for it is sung in Inalåhan, and probably also Malojloj, but the words are the same as the version sung by the rest of the island.

In the past, when all transportation was either by animal-driven cart, boat or feet, villages were more isolated and local customs more easily developed, different from the next village. Often it was a new priest, musically-inclined, who might introduce a new melody for an old hymn. But others, musicians or organists or singers who learned it from elsewhere, could also have taught a new melody to their local choir. 

As far as the origin of this Inalåhan melody for this hymn sung to another melody in Hagåtña and elsewhere, I am not sure. Perhaps I can find out in the future.

LYRICS

Jesús, José an María; Jesús, José an María;

estague' i korason-ho yan i anti-ho.

(Jesus, Joseph and Mary; Jesus, Joseph and Mary;

here are my heart and my soul.)

Jesús, José an María; Jesús, José an María;

fa' maolek yo' an hokkok i ha'ani-ho.

(Jesus, Joseph and Mary; Jesus, Joseph and Mary;

assist me when my life is done.)

Jesús, José an María; Jesús, José an María;

na' måtai yo' pao såntos gi kannai-miyo; gi kannai-miyo.

(Jesus, Joseph and Mary; Jesus, Joseph and Mary;

make me die in the fragrance of holiness within your hands.)

A RELIGIOUS EXPLANATION

The last two verses speak about a good death, a holy death, because the Holy Family includes Saint Joseph, who died before Jesus began His public ministry and was still unknown to people. So, Saint Joseph died surrounded by Jesus and the Blessed Mother - a nice way to pass from this earthly life!

That is why Saint Joseph is the Patron of a Holy and Happy Death, and why the hymn speaks of this. On our death bed, we want the Holy Family surrounding us.

*** Thanks to Lawrence Borja for the audio clip