7 Apr 2026
Episode 21: Tu Pueblo Canta: Treasure of Our Faith
Description: We are getting excited for our first ever all-Spanish language hymnal! Returning to the podcast is our Editor of Spanish and Bilingual Resources, Peter Kolar, to discuss highlights that are sure to find a welcome home in every parish throughout this nation. ¡Vamos!Bio: Peter Kolar is the Editor for Spanish and Bilingual Resources at GIA Publications. An accomplished composer and pianist, his works include the bilingual mass setting, Misa Luna, sung at the papal liturgy in Philadelphia, and a solo classical piano CD Variations. Known for his creative use of both classical and Latin-American musical forms, Peter holds a masters degree in music composition from Northwestern University and sits on the board of directors for the Southwest Liturgical Conference. He resides in El Paso, TX, where he is the Director of the El Paso Diocesan Choir.
From the Committee: Tu Pueblo Canta is more than a book. It is a treasure:*a treasure that enshrines the journey of the Hispanic/Latin-American people, radiates their love of tradition, and gleams well into the future for those who will behold, learn from, and improve upon its musical riches;*a treasure that reflects the toils and labors of a diligent and dedicated people whose faith both propels their daily toil and offers refuge from it;*a treasure that shimmers in the kaleidoscope of creation’s diversity, with pride and appreciation for Latinos across the globe who have somehow found community in a Spanish-language Mass offered at a local church or parish;*a treasure that proclaims dignity, affirms worth, and asserts God’s image to those facing op-pression, segregation, indifference and active aggression from within society and institutions;*a treasure that blankets and protects as a divine loving mother’s mantel against pain and misery, a balm of comfort for the weary;*a treasure whose pages will be held in sacred hands, just as the priest holds the illustrious sacred ritual books of the Mass, with a tangible weight and depth, at once timely and timeless;*a treasure whose adorning art increases the beauty of the sacred space it will occupy, befitting its place within God’s sanctuary;*a treasure whose sung words will teach the faith, challenge worldly precepts, and compel afervent lived discipleship;*a treasure whose melodies will uplift the spirit and soul, carrying heavenward the prayers of the gathered community;*a treasure whose embedded styles, character and rhythms will touch the heart once fullyeffectuated in breath and voice;*a treasure that will inspire future musicians, authors and composers to willingly offer their Spirit-fed gifts for the sake of the Church because of an ecclesial ecosystem that invites and upholds such contributions as essential to the Catholic liturgy;*and finally, a treasure that both reflects and illumines faith so that it is overflowing with life and steeped in resurrection joy. It is with grateful hearts that we, the members of the hymnal committee, offer Tu Pueblo Canta for the sake of our broader family of Spanish-speaking faithful. This hymnal was born of the desire to serve the people of God in the most elevated and dignified way possible. At its core, it is a labor love by the people, for the people. We have every confidence that Tu Pueblo Canta will become a source of profound faith and joy for your community—a shared keepsake to be cherished and treasured.—Tu Pueblo Canta Hymnal Committee
Music in this episode:
Eso Me Basta: https://giamusic.com/resource/eso-me-basta-senor-cdthilletcorrea-recording-012614
Tesoros Ocultos: https://giamusic.com/resource/tesoros-ocultostreasures-out-of-darknessreveringarr-kolar-print-012671
Porque Su Amor Es Eterno: https://giamusic.com/resource/porque-su-amor-es-eterno-print-g9186
Un Mandamiento Nuevo: https://giamusic.com/resource/un-mandamiento-nuevo-i-give-you-a-new-commandment-print-g10518
Ave Maria: https://giamusic.com/resource/ave-mariarubalcava-print-012722
Caminemos Con Jesus: https://giamusic.com/resource/caminemos-con-jesys-print-g10077
