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HYMNS FROM LATIN AMERICA
AND THE CARIBBEAN |
| by Joyce D. Sohl |
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Church music in Latin America and the Caribbean was greatly influenced by Catholic and Protestant missionaries. Most hymns were translations of English hymns or transplants from the Latin-speaking European church. With the development of liberation theology in the church and the struggles for justice throughout the continent, new music developed that spoke of the people’s struggle and commitment. |
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Because Christ came to enter in our journey,
because he broke the silence of our sorrow,
because he filled the whole world with his glory,
and came to light the darkness of our morrow.
Because he came a stranger, poor and lowly,
because he lived, proclaiming love and healing,
because he opened hearts of hungry people,
and brought new life to all who would receive it.
In hope we are forever celebrating,
with courage in our struggle we are waiting,
in trust and reassurance we are claiming:
this is our song of freedom for all people. |
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Federico J. Pagura, Argentina
English trans., George Lockwood
© 2002 General Board of Global Ministries, GBGMusik
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Give me your hand and we’ll go on, we’ll walk together as one.
We’ll walk in faith, for we trust in God, the God who makes us free.
We’ll walk with joy, for we know for sure the sun will rise each day.
If we unite and fight for what’s right, then justice will prevail. |
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Felipe Centeno and Leonardo Fagundes, Brazil
English trans., S T Kimbrough, Jr.
© 1983 Felipe Centeno and Leonardo Fagundes
Eng. Trans. © 2002 General Board of Global Ministries, GBGMusik |
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Solidarity is a recurrent theme in Latin American music, expressing the people’s need for unity in order to oppose dictators, inhumane treatment, and poverty. |
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Just when our hope was defeated, we heard the voice of the Spirit:
“Reach out to all of your brothers and build with each other a new world of peace
“Reach out to all of your sisters and build with each other a new world of peace.”
Refrain:
God is uplifting the people. God is the power within us.
Hope is our music, and freedom our song, and together our voices will ring.
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Ester Cámac, Perú
English trans., Bret Hesla and Bill Dexheimer
English trans. © 1994 Abingdon Press |
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Sent out in Jesus’ name, our hands are ready now
to build with God a world of everlasting love.
The angels cannot change a world of hurt and pain
into a world of love, of justice and of peace.
The task is ours to do, to set it really free.
O, help us to obey, and carry out your will.
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Unknown author, Cuba
English trans., Jorge E. Maldonado
English trans. © 1988 Abingdon Press
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