by Priscilla Cabral
Intermountain Catholic

SALT LAKE CITY—“The choir exists so that people can sing. Its function is to see that everyone is included and to incite their active participation,” said Santiago Fernández, pastoral musician.

Fernández visited Salt Lake City from Detroit, Michigan to present a liturgical workshop for the Hispanic music ministries in the Diocese. The workshop was on Saturday, April 12 at the Saint Ann parish, and was sponsored by the Diocesan Offices of Liturgy and Hispanic Ministry.

“When we sing and serve the Lord, music touches people’s hearts in a very special way,” said Santiago Fernández, who presented a workshop for the Hispanic music ministers of the Diocese, at Saint Ann Parish, April 12.   IC photos by Priscilla Cabral

Fernández is originally from Mexico, but has been living in the United States for 22 years. He has been serving the Church with his music, and has been recognized by the UCMVA (United Catholic Music and Video Association) with three “Unity Awards” for best artist, music record, and international song.

“One of my favorite things to do is to compose music for the Psalms because they are texts that should be sung. We have to keep this tradition, “ said Fernández.

He also talked about the diversity of the Church in the United States, and about how music unites people. “We need people from all nationalities, so we can be faithful to the mission of the Church in this country, so the voices of all these cultures can be heard through music.

Mario and Lidia Razo have been working for the music ministry for eight and five years, respectively. They are part of the Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Parish choir and say this helps them at home too. “We always learn something good that will guide us as a family,” they said.

The devotion of the people overcomes any challenge, according to Fernández. “There are some who don’t know how to read music. But they sing with their hearts, with their souls,” he said.

“I want people to leave motivated, strengthened, and renewed, so they can go on with their ministry. I want them to be proud of their work and to recognize the importance of their ministry,” he added.

Fernández might return to Salt Lake City in October, for another diocesan event for both the English and Spanish speaking communities.

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