Don René Hernández Vélez

Lecturer 

Liturgy

Vice-Rector of the PIMS Residence

 

Biography 

Ordained as a priest in 1995, he completed his studies in philosophy at the Regina Cleri Seminary in Ponce, Puerto Rico; he went on to study theology at the Saint Ildefonso Seminary in Toledo, Spain. At the same time, he pursued his musical studies, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Music from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico. 

As the Director of Sacred and Liturgical Music in the Diocese of Mayagüez, he conducted the cathedral choir. He obtained a licentiate in Liturgy from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross and a Bachelor’s degree, licentiate and doctorate (2021) in Gregorian Chant from the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music under the guidance of Nino Albarosa and Franz Karl Prassl. 

He is currently a part-time lecturer in Liturgical Practice, the Basic Course in Gregorian Chant and the Preparatory Course.

He obtained his diploma from the Studium of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

 

Research Interests

  • Historical and liturgical studies

  • Gregorian chant restoration

  • Choral music and choral conducting

 

Publications (selected)

  • Música e inculturación Musica e Chiesa: Culto e Cultura. A 50 anni dalla Musicam Sacram – Città del Vaticano 2017

  • Il Graduale-Antifonario di Monza I-Mz c. 12.75: Studi sul Repertorio di Canti, Liturgia e Musica agli albori del secondo millennio, Roma, 2023

 

Concerts and Conferences (selected)

  • Tollite Hostias Concerto, per coro misto e orchestra. Cattedrale di Mayagüez, 2005

  • Ciclo di lezioni all’interno del Corso di Canto Gregoriano, Abbazia di San Vincenzo al Volturno, 2023

  • Lezioni di Canto Gregoriano, basilica del sacro Cuore, Valencia, 2024

  • Lezioni di Canto Gregoriano, Cattedrale di Siviglia, 2025