A choir formed for the 2022 beatification of María Agustina Rivas López—affectionately known as Aguchita—is preparing to bring its music to a wider audience after winning Peru’s national “León de la Esperanza” competition.

Coro Aguchita Pastora de Dios will perform “León, Hermano del Camino,” the official song intended to accompany Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Peru. The choir brings together members from different faith communities, several with longstanding connections to Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd through Santa María Eufrasia School, the San José del Buen Pastor Chapel of the Contemplative Sisters, and other Good Shepherd communities.

The winning song was composed by choir director Jaime Montoya Ayala (pictured), a former teacher at Santa María Eufrasia School in La Molina, Lima, who also composed a cantata dedicated to Aguchita.

«Creating Coro Aguchita is one of the many ways in which the Lord asks us to place our talents at the service of his people,” Jaime said. “At first, we thought it was only about singing at Aguchita’s beatification Mass; today, we realize that more is being asked of us. As in the parable of the talents, we should not return the single coin we were given, but make it multiply in the hearts of God’s people.»

For choir member Ingrid Oropeza, the competition revealed the power of music to unite people around a shared message.

«Participating in the León de la Esperanza competition was an experience that marked my life,», a-t-elle déclaré. «As a member of Coro Aguchita, I experienced closely how music can become a message of faith, hope, and unity for our country. As a former student of Santa María Eufrasia, I also feel profound gratitude, because it was there that I learned values such as service, solidarity, and commitment, which accompany me in every project I undertake. I feel very happy and grateful to have been part of this beautiful experience. »

Keverly Escobar Ibáñez traces her musical journey to the Good Shepherd Chapel in El Pino, where the sisters created a place of learning, encouragement, and belonging.

“‘God’s timing is perfect.’ That is the trust I have always placed in the Lord, my Good Shepherd, who guides my path», a-t-elle affirmé. «I feel deeply blessed by everything I am experiencing and grateful for the opportunities he has given me. I met Jaime Montoya during a Mass in honor of Saint Mary Euphrasia, and from that moment he believed in me and encouraged me to continue growing through music. My journey began at the Good Shepherd Chapel in El Pino, where the sisters taught us practical skills, accompanied us patiently, and made us feel at home. Learning about Aguchita’s life shortly before her beatification reminded me of all the love I had received, and that is why she holds a very special place in my life. »

Pour Raúl Walter Reza Torres, performing the official song brings together a childhood discovery of music and a faith formed within the Good Shepherd community.

«I feel very happy and excited to have the opportunity to perform the hymn that will accompany Pope Leo XIV during his visit to Peru,” he said. “It all began at the Good Shepherd Chapel in El Pino, where I discovered music and grew both as a person and spiritually. There I learned to play Andean instruments and found a second family. Later, I met Jaime Montoya, the hymn’s composer, who invited us to participate in the Mass for Aguchita in the rainforest. Her story reminded us of the same spirit of service and closeness that we had experienced since childhood with the Good Shepherd. As the psalm says, ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.’”

For married couple Carla Polo Paredes et César Romero Alvarez (pictured), the choir is part of a relationship with the Good Shepherd community that has extended over more than a decade. César began supporting Mother Matilde in the choir at the San José del Buen Pastor Chapel in 2011. That same year, the couple enrolled their daughter, Alessia, at Santa María Eufrasia School.

«Looking back at our story, we understand that God was always guiding our steps,” they said. “Today, we understand that nothing happened by chance; God was drawing us closer to this great family. As a married couple, we have also lived through difficult moments, but the Lord never abandoned us. In this community, we found welcome, accompaniment, and strength to continue walking hand in hand with him. »

Their service through music gradually introduced them to the spirituality of the sisters. “Their life of prayer and their dedication to serving others, lived with simplicity and humility, captivated us and encouraged us to continue along this path,” they explained. “After more than ten years of service, the Lord gave us another great blessing: becoming part of Coro Aguchita. It reaffirmed our faith and helped us understand that God continues calling us to serve through song. »

They also see the choir’s story as an invitation to practice the attentive presence embodied by Aguchita: “People often arrive carrying wounds or problems we know nothing about. A word of welcome, a smile, or simply listening with the heart can be the beginning of an encounter with the Lord that transforms a life. »

The choir’s recognition is more than an artistic achievement. It shows how Aguchita’s legacy continues to inspire evangelization through beauty, culture, and music. A choir first gathered in her memory is now carrying forward her witness of simple, generous service, allowing one song and the relationships behind it to awaken hope far beyond the place where it began.