A Beautiful Hymn

Today, we went to 10:00 a.m. Mass at San Francisco El Grande,

which is just down the street from our casita. It was a beautiful day. One of the Franciscan monks was sitting outside the church talking to some ladies as we arrived.

The Mass was once again well attended and we felt welcomed by those sitting around us. After communion, the choir, accompanied by an organ, marimba, and string bass, sang a hymn I'd heard before, both in the United States and Guatemala. It's a beautiful hymn and I decided to track it down. It's titled "Pescador de Hombres," which translates as "Fisher of Men." It was written by a Spanish priest, Cesáreo Gabaráin, who was one of the best know composers of Spanish liturgical music (http://www.ocp.org/artists/296). By the way, I read that it was the favorite hymn of Pope John Paul II.

Here's a link to a beautiful version with lyrics in Spanish: http://www.lafecatolica.com/pescador-de-hombres/723/

Here's another version that includes English lyrics: http://www.spiritandsong.com/compositions/15607

I also found a rock version. Believe it or not, it's sung by a Spanish priest, Joan Enric Reverté, who performs as Padre Jony : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hjhSmUiPTE It's different, but I can see how it would appeal to the young.