O. Catena › Hymnals

Osvaldo Catena (b. 1920; d. 1986) was an Argentinian priest and composer. Showing an early interest in music, he entered the Metropolitan Seminary in Santa Fe, Argentina, where he learned multiple instruments and studied for ordination. He was ordained as a priest in 1943. He started the first School of Sacred Music in Santa Fe, and in 1950 organized the first University Choir. He was soon appointed chaplain at the College of Our Lady of Calvary, but moved his ministry to the poor, harsh areas of Santa Fe, in what he named Villa Prak, “the triangle” outlined by railroad tracks, garbage dumps, and caves near the Rio Saldo. He termed this area Villa Park. He spent much of his life in this area, working to develop the area and provide fellowship and guidance for those living there in a time of turmoil and violence, during the military dictatorship in Argentina (1976-1983).

Laura de Jong