Thirty years ago, while studying in Costa Rica, I had the privilege of hearing Carlos Mejia Godoy sing the songs of Nicaragua's liberation. About half way through the performance the names of the martyrs of the revolution were read out loud - including the recently assassinated Bishop of El Salvador Oscar Romero - and after each "saint's" name, the gathered faithful prayerfully responded: presente! They are present - they are still with us - in memory and spirit. And as a part of the "great cloud of witnesses," they continue to pray for us as we move forward towards justice, hope, compassion and real life.
I have treasured that time - and this song - which recasts the story of Jesus into the reality of pre-revolutionary Nicaragua. Onward to all saints' day...
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
all saints and souls day before the election...
NOTE: It's been said that St. Francis encouraged his monastic partners to preach the gospel at all times - using words only when neces...
-
There is a story about St. Francis and the Sultan - greatly embellished to be sure and often treated in apocryphal ways in the 2 1st centur...
-
NOTE: Here are my Sunday worship notes for the Feast of the Epiphany. They are a bit late - in theory I wasn't going to do much work ...
2 comments:
What I love most about hispanic culture is that no matter how bad things get their exubarance and resilience shine through.
Not like the Brits!
Thank you for this - my spirit was lifted by the beautiful music.
Smiles... I love the joy and ebulient spirit, too. Thanks for your good word.
Post a Comment