Carlos Rosas

Carlos Rosas (1939–2020) was a Mexican-born Roman Catholic liturgical composer, song writer, choir director, and leader in Hispanic ministry in the United States. Born in Linares, Nuevo León, he began studying music and liturgy at about age twelve. OCP later described him as a pioneer in Hispanic liturgical music, especially for the way he brought musical idioms associated with Mexico into congregational worship.

Rosas served as liturgy coordinator and composer in residence at the Mexican-American Cultural Center and as choir director at San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio, Texas. His ministry also included work with Christian base communities in the Diocese of Phoenix, leadership of Hispanic ministry for the Diocese of Baker in Oregon, and service as director of music and liturgy coordinator at Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Laredo, Texas. These appointments placed composition, pastoral ministry, and bilingual worship in close relationship throughout his career.

Biblical reflection and liturgical celebration were recurring foundations of Rosas's work. His collection ¡Grita de Alegría! includes psalm settings shaped by mariachi style, and OCP continues to publish songs such as “Me Alegré” and “Cantemos al Señor.” His repertory became part of the developing body of Spanish-language Catholic congregational song in the United States after the Second Vatican Council. Rosas died in Texas in 2020.