Cantico welcomes another new member

The ladies of Cantico de la Mujer Latina
were very pleased last night.
Sister Nina arrived bringing a friend, Gabriela.
By the end of the night,
she committed to our group!
Although she didn't bring her instrument last night,
I hear tell Gabriela is a guitarist.
Next rehearsal we hope to work with her,
getting necessary music in her hands!

I'm not so sure what is going on lately,
but it's all good.
We have welcomed one new member
at every rehearsal
for the past three rehearsals!

A few weeks ago we welcomed Rosa.
Rosa is actually an alto,
but is actually quite capable of singing soprano.
So, at least for now, she is enhancing our soprano section.
She is also quite handy with the maracas
and other hand held percussion instruments.

And then, we welcomed Rosa's sister, Irma.
I've known Irma for years.
In fact,
Irma sang with me in a choir I directed
in a pervious life!
Irma is very decidely an alto.
If there is no alto part for a particular piece,
Irma has the creativity and the ear to create one!

I also learned last night
that one of our ladies who has stepped aside for awhile,
Rosalinda, will be coming back to us
for special readings and poetry.
Rosalinda is one of the best lectors I have ever heard.
And when she does a special reading
or recites poetry,
well, let me just say that she commands your attention.
When she recites
you just have the greatest desire to listen,
to absorb every word.
Thanks, Rosalinda!
You don't know how much we've missed you!

I'm not sure what's happening.
But I am certain that it is all of the Holy Spirit.
Our new members
coupled with our new rehearsal venue. . .
. . .well. . . .It's all good!

About Cantico de la Mujer Latina

Cántico de la Mujer Latina
is a wonderful and talented group of women.
Our ministry is not only creative and artistic.
It is thought provoking.

Many of our songs speak to the reality
of those living on the margins,
those often forgotten by society.
We use our creative ministry to challenge.

All of our members
have a special devotion to and love for our Blessed Mother.
Our music moves beyond traditional marian songs and hymns
with Santa Maria de América Latina, Nican Mopohua,
and Canto a Mi Mamita, which was written Marcy,
one of our members.

We use oral readings in some of presentations.
This includes the poetry of Gloria Anzaldua
as well as some of the great works of Ana Castillo.
We've also used some of the writings
of Cuban American Theologian, Dr. Ada Maria Isasi-Diaz.

Our voice is musical.
Our voice is poetic and, dare I say, prophetic.
We've often collaborated with others
and have used dance as a creative element in our ministry.
We have also made creative use of LCD projectors with our music,
using images that speak more
than any word sung or spoken.

Our ministry includes original works of music
written by Marcy, our guitarist.
Our ministry also includes original poetry
written by Rubi, the group's director.

We are available to server for prayer services,
special masses, and retreats.
We are also available for concerts.
Our songs and our readings
are in both Spanish and English,
though primarily in Spanish.
Most of our music and oral reading is written by Latin women,
including some original works by some of our members.

We do not belong to any one parish,
but hail from several different parishes.
Nor are we a nonprofit 501c3.
We are, very simply, a group of women
who have decidely made it our mission
to evangelize via creative means.

We do hope you enjoy your visit here at our blog.
We are El Cántico de la Mujer Latina.

Welcome!

Hello and Welcome to the blog that celebrates Cántico de la Mujer Latina!


Cantico de la Mujer Latina is a creative ministry that actually began several years ago.

We began very simply, humbly. At the time, I was a member of the Standing Committee for Hispanic Pastoral Musicians with the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM). I received a phone call from Fr. Virgil Funk, founder and at the time, president of NPM. The regional convention was coming to Grand Rapids, MI, and he asked if I could present something "hispanic." No other parameters were given.

I thought about it for a few days and submitted my proposal to Fr. Virgil & NPM: An afternoon of praise featuring music, poetry, theology written and performed by Latina women.

And so Cántico de la Mujer Latina was born.

Our events often feature original music and original poetry by some of our members.

Keep your eye on this blog for updates and information about Cántico de la Mujer Latina! We'll be posting photos, repertoire, member profiles and so much more!

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About the photo: This picture was taken just outside the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City where Cantico de la Mujer Latina had the honor of serving as Ministers of Music.