APRIL 2021
How can we make those invited to the eucharistic banquet feel welcome? Te flow of the liturgy is important but is not our only concern. Tink also of everything that needs to happen before Mass begins. For instance, who would host a party in their home with guests from different countries without first making proper introductions and ensuring they feel welcome and relaxed before any conversation takes place? Why, then, would we start singing a bilingual entrance song without rehearsing with the gathered assembly, explaining anything to them, or giving them an opportunity to greet one another? Friends, good bilingual liturgy begins with genuine hospitality and a true desire on our part to empower the assembly to participate fully, actively, and consciously, despite our linguistic or cultural differences. It is important to spend time with the assembly: talk to them, teach them two or three refrains, remind them that you are there to support their singing. Your example of hospitality should set the tone every time they gather. With your help, individuals in the assembly should feel that whatever part of the Mass is said or sung in a language other than their own is not a personal loss. Rather it can be a transforming and edifying element that, in the beauty of one’s native tongue and unique musical heritage, makes someone else feel welcome. Similarly, cultural groups that sing in a language other than their own don’t suffer any loss. Indeed, they become instruments of hospitality that celebrate their unity in Christ. Tat’s why, brothers and sisters, a well- prepared bilingual Mass can be twice as meaningful and rewarding for everyone.
Santiago Fernández has been active in parish ministry for more than 30 years. A pastoral musician, speaker, and composer, Santiago is author of the bilingual book Un Hermoso Intercambio Cultural/A Beautiful
Cultural Exchange, offering ideas, reflections and suggestions to open doors and broaden horizons within the multicultural integration of pastoral work in the United States.
Un Hermoso Intercambio Cultural / A Beautiful Cultural Exchange by Santiago Fernández
Santiago Fernández offers valuable pastoral insight for parishes in his book, Un Hermoso Intercambio Cultural / A Beautiful Cultural Exchange. Bringing together an extensive collection of articles and contributions Santiago has offered as a
pastoral musician and lay minister, this ministry tool presents relevant ideas, reflections, and suggestions, aimed at opening doors and broadening horizons within the multicultural integration of pastoral work in the United States.
Filled with articles that creatively portray an ardor for evangelization, the book highlights the valuable cultural contributions made by Hispanic communities and the many ways they serve to enrich our celebrations of the liturgy. Tis book presents vital information for any parish, whether it currently offers a Hispanic ministry or simply appreciates the value of cross- cultural communication. Find practical tips for enriching liturgies with reflections about:
• Pastoral accompaniment: theological reflections and creative ideas for celebrating bilingual Eucharist.
• Musical suggestions: songs from Santiago Fernández to meet a variety of needs throughout the liturgical year.
• Liturgical perspective: criteria for liturgical judgment, specifically when selecting repertoire to accomplish true liturgical cultural exchange.
• Tis bilingual book features English and Spanish side by side and contains creative ideas for celebrating bilingual Masses, including scores for the songs authored by Santiago.
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