Onwards to All Saints' Day...

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...