The fourth edition of the Casiciaco Dialogues was held this October 11, 2024 under the motto “Who sings, prays twice”, coinciding with the launch of the channel Recoletos Music channel on Spotify and Apple Music. After three other editions, this project of the Order of Augustinian Recollects continues seeking to promote joint reflection on current issues and on this occasion, the objective was to deepen the role of music in the life of the Church and in evangelization.
The event counted with the participation of the Augustinian Recollect composer, José Manuel González DuránJuan Marcelo De Biase, a lawyer and musician linked to the Augustinian Recollect Youth from Argentina; Carlos Estrada, a young Mexican and one of the composers of the official hymn of WYDDAR 2023, from Costa Rica; and Gracelia Molina, an Augustinian Recollect nun and director of the musical group of the Augustinian Recollect Sisters of the Heart of Jesus, from Venezuela.
“When we sing from the heart, we not only use our voice, but also our spirit to praise God.”
José Manuel González Durán began his intervention with a profound reflection on the nature of singing in the Christian life: “Singing is proper to those who love”, quoting St. Augustine, and invited those present to remember that music is a form of prayer and of expressing love for God: When we sing from the heart, we not only use our voice, but also our spirit to praise God. González Durán stressed the need to offer our talents to God with humility and willingness: The first advice I can give to young people is not to believe that your talent is ready; you have to polish it and let yourself be guided by others. He also stressed that the musical ministry is an act of service, not of vainglory, and that it should always aim to edify the community.
In the same vein, Sister Graciela spoke about obedience and the importance of following the path set by the community: ” We do not choose by personal taste, but we are sent to events by our Mother General, reminding us that the most important thing is humility and willingness to serve.
“We have to be clear that we are bridges for the Lord to reach wherever He wants to reach.”
One of the topics that raised the most discussion was the diversity of musical genres and their place within the Church. Marcelo approached this topic 
from a practical perspective: We have to be clear that we are bridges for the Lord to reach wherever He wants to reach. And he added that one piece of advice that can be given to those who wish to enter into this service is that be very clear that it is a service, that we are instruments. It is not for personal gain, but for the glory of God. If you are not clear about that, no matter how many gifts our Lord gives you, it will not be Catholic music or religious music, but something else. .
Carlos shared his experience working with young musicians in countries such as Mexico and Costa Rica. There are young people with incredible talents, but they need guidance so as not to lose focus of their mission. He emphasized the importance of finding mentors to accompany new musicians in their spiritual and artistic development.
In this regard, the speakers agreed that music, regardless of genre, must always be at the service of God and the community. They stressed that respect for the liturgy and a willingness to obey the Church are key to ensuring that the music ministry fulfills its evangelizing purpose.
At the closing of the meeting, José Manuel González Durán encouraged the young musicians not to hide their talents: Don’t keep your talent; offer it to God, but remember that there is always room for improvement. Let others guide you on your path.
Sister Graciela, in turn, insisted on the importance of obedience and humility as pillars of service in music: ” True service comes from humble surrender, not from what one wants or prefers to do.