An excerpt taken from Santiago’s book on fostering an intercultural ministry within the Hispanic community, Un Hermoso IntercambioCultural/A Beautiful Cultural Exchange.
The Paschal Triduum presents challenges for music directors and other ministers, not only because it is the high point of the liturgical year, but also because having multiple celebrations in different languages isn’t permitted. During the most holy week of the year, we must help the faithful come together and participate as one single community. Our faith comes alive in a special way during the magnificent celebration of the Triduum, and this demands a very pastoral approach from us. There’s a new demographic reality in parishes that demands that parish staff make changes so that all the faithful can celebrate as a single community, despite any ethnic and linguistic differences that may exist. I recommend basic principles that have proven true. Above all, carry out your tasks with pleasure and joy; let your enthusiasm and conviction be contagious. Then, do extensive research and let yourself be transformed by the new music you discover. Luckily, OCP offers all sorts of music for all levels that is useful and beautiful. Here are some ideas of songs that work well for the Triduum: “No Hay Amor Mas Grande/No Greater Love” (Hurd); “One Bread, One Body/Un Pan, Un Cuerpo” (Foley); “We Venerate Your Cross/Tu Cruz Adoramos” (Fernandez); “This Is the Wood/ Mirad la Cruz” (Fernandez); “Amor de Dios/O Love of God” (Hurd); “Salmo 117: Aleluya/Psalm 118: Alleluia” (Reza); “Resucit6/He Is Risen” (Arguello)
Without fear of the unknown, let’s give it our best shot and let God do the rest, allowing him to take over the music and our ministry. God’s mercy and power will transform people and change lives. Brothers and sisters: Ubi caritas est vera. Deus ibi est.
For more helpful tips on celebrating the liturgy, check out Santiago’s book, Un Hermoso IntercambioCultural/A Beautiful Cultural Exchange, filled with articles, songs and suggestions on uniting communities of faith through cross-cultural communication.
Santiago Fernández is one of the leading Spanish-language liturgical composers in the Church today. With more than 30 years of parish experience, he travels nationally and internationally offering concerts and speaking on Hispanic ministry.