By Lindsay Steele
The Catholic Messenger
Jesse Manibusan, composer of the popular hymn “Open My Eyes,” will come to the Davenport Diocese in September to present a retreat for ministry leaders and a concert.
“He is very well known,” said Don Boucher, director of the diocesan Office of Faith Formation. “We are blessed to have him with us.”
The diocesan Office of Faith Formation is hosting the ministry retreat Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at St. Patrick Church in Iowa City. It is open to clergy, ministry leaders and “anyone who is available that day who wants to come and have a retreat experience,” Boucher said.
Manibusan will help participants reflect on their call of baptism through storytelling, music, personal reflection, group sharing, prayer and Mass. And, of course, he will sing, Boucher quipped. “He doesn’t do anything without singing!”
He emphasized that Manibusan is very relatable and easy to connect with. Having seen his workshops in other dioceses, Boucher is most impressed by Manibusan’s ability to share his own struggles and connect with audiences. “He knows he is as much in need of God’s mercy as anyone else.”
Register for the event online by Sept. 8 at www.davenportdiocese.org/adult-retreat. Cost to attend is $49 or $44 for those registering before Aug. 26.
On Sept. 14, St. Joseph Parish in DeWitt is hosting Manibusan for a concert, which will take place at the Central DeWitt Performing Arts Center at 6:30 p.m. He will bring a message of Spirit, Peace and Mercy (SPAM) and present his original songs on voice and guitar.
A free-will offering will be accepted at the door.
Judy Duncan, director of Music Ministries for St. Thomas More Parish in Coralville, hosted a Manibusan concert last year at her parish and is excited that he will be performing in the diocese once again.
“What I find unique about Jesse is that he has a fantastic gift of interacting with his audiences.” she said.