Oração da Viajante (The Traveler's Prayer)

“Oração” was composed during an eight week artist residency at the Sacatar Institute in Itaparica, Bahia, Brazil in the spring of 2018. My purpose in being in Bahia was to research different invocations of Nossa Senhora- “Our Lady,” the Virgin Mary- that have particular ties to Brazil. I interviewed devotees of Mary- primarily Bahian women- and visited various types of religious ceremonies where I witnessed firsthand how strongly Mary is loved and revered. Even among non-Catholics, the concept of “Mãe”- “mother”- is central to Brazilian culture, and Mary’s title as “Mãe de Deus” (“Mother of God”) extends to her being a cherished Mother of the Brazilian people.

Saying the “Ave Maria” at many Catholic Masses, I repeatedly uttered the phrase, “cheia de grace” (“full of grace”). This phrase became personal to me while writing this musical prayer. I ask for Mary’s grace and “força”- which can only be partially translated as “strength”- in the final, sweeping section at letter D. I am grateful to Nossa Senhora and to the many Brazilians who embody a faith that knows that we are all being held and strengthened by a “Mãe querida” (“dear Mother”).