A Song For Mary (2018 Ateneo de Manila University Graduation)

In May 2018, I had the unique privilege to lead my graduating class at the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) in the singing of our University alma mater song, "A Song For Mary," during the School of Social Sciences and School of Humanities Commencement Exercises.
"A Song For Mary" is Colonel José Campaña's adaptation of Calixa Lavallée’s music to “O Canada," composed in 1880. With lyrics written by Fr. James B Reuter SJ, the song became the alma mater hymn of the Ateneo in the 1950s as it moved from it's war-torn Padre Faura campus to its present location at the Loyola Heights in Katipunan, Quezon City.
We sing this song together as a community in shining moments as well as in periods of defeat; but as the song goes, "win or lose, it's the school we choose." And indeed, for Ateneans new and old, the hills of Loyola is "the place where we belong."
The Blue-and-White, the colors of our Lady is a mark of home. Wherever we may be in the world, with rosaries in tow, we ask Mary, our Mother, to keep us true and faithful, in a world filled with pain and strife. Like the eagles that soar, Ateneans are called to rise to the occasion, and to rise above, armed with faith, steadfast in hope, and shining with love.
Video excerpt taken from the livestream of the 2018 ADMU SOSS & SOH Commencement Exercises.

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A Song for Mary
We stand on a hill between the earth and sky.
Now all is still where Loyola's colors fly.
Our course is run and the setting sun ends Ateneo's day.
Eyes are dry at the last goodbye; this is the Ateneo way.
Mary for you!
For your white and blue!
We pray you'll keep us, Mary, constantly true!
We pray you'll keep us, Mary, faithful to you!
Down from the hill, down to the world go I; rememb'ring still, how the bright Blue Eagles fly.
Mary for you!
For your white and blue!
We pray you'll keep us, Mary, constantly true!
We pray you'll keep us, Mary, faithful to you!