Attending a symphony the weekend after 911, the conductor’s reflection on the tragedy was to just listen to the special opening music selected for that particular evening since no words could ever express the sorrow of the calamity.

The haunting melody, the texture of the strings, and moments of quietness when the music would “breathe” brought a universal understanding and compassion of the emotional aftermath. No words, just music: a universal language—everyone understood it.

In prayer as well, whether you understand what the words mean or not, music takes us to another level of inspiration and understanding.

Music is prayer for our musicians at St. Leo and for anyone in attendance. The vibration and breathing to the music resonates throughout our whole being. If you’ve ever experienced the chants of our Burundi musicians or the percussive rhythms of our Guatemalan music groups, no words are needed. Our hearts beat as one with the music.

Making Music, Praying Twice.  Amen!

Ministerio Creación, one of St. Leo’s Guatemalan music groups, shared this prayer of music at a Social Justice gathering hosted by Tony Stieritz with the Social Action Office of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati in early March. Representatives from several parishes gathered to discuss justice issues and social actions to be taken to help others. It was specifically chosen by the music group, as the lyrics truly share a solidarity in the purpose of those gathered.