PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As part of the “Bienvenido Papa Francisco” campaign to provide a platform for the Hispanic community to express their joy, faith, and love for the Pope, Pedro Rubalcava was chosen to write a welcome song for Pope Francis’ visit to the United States.

“I feel honored, grateful and humbled to have the opportunity to share my sentiments and faith in this way and to welcome Pope Francis to the United States,” said Rubalcava.

“Vamos Alegres” was commissioned by executive board members of the five Catholic Hispanic Organizations that make up the leadership of the Pastoral de Conjunto during their annual leadership retreat in Miami in February of 2015. Rubalcava wrote the refrain before the retreat’s conclusion and finished the song back in his hometown of Portland.

Drawing inspiration from past well-known songs such as “We Are the World” and “Heal the World,” Rubalcava’s goal was to write an easy-to-learn song with a welcoming feel. The direction he took resulted in a “pop-rock” mid-tempo ballad that met the expectations of the Pastoral de Conjunto leadership.

“The message of the text felt to me like it not only was welcoming Pope Francis but also allowing us to join him in our resolve to follow his lead as our spiritual leader,” said Rubalcava.

He hopes the Hispanic community will add their voice and spirit to “Vamos Alegres” to provide a unique and warm welcome for the Pope.

For more information, please contact Kelcee Marcum at kelceem@ocp.org or 503.460.5358.

About OCP
Oregon Catholic Press, a not-for-profit publisher of liturgical music and worship resources based in Portland, Oregon, has been in operation for more than 90 years. Worship programs produced by OCP are used in over two-thirds of Catholic churches in the United States and are distributed worldwide. Find OCP on Facebook at facebook.com/OCPMusic.

Media Contacts:
Kelcee Marcum, 503.460.5358, kelceem@ocp.org