A Christmas memory (and prayer)

Ave Maria is an achingly beautiful song with many variations. This one’s composed by Bach, I believe, and is sung by one of the Celtic Women. Here’s another of my favorite renditions, as performed by Josh Groban.

 

When I was thirteen, my friend Luz invited me to attend Christmas Eve mass with her, and over my father’s objections, I accepted. The Catholic service was wholly unfamiliar to me, the daughter of a Pentecostal tent preacher, but Luz did her best to explain the rituals and their symbolism. At some point the choir sang Ave Maria, in Latin. Luz handed me an English translation, but as it turned out, I didn’t really need it. 

 

Hail, Mary, full of grace. Flickering candles illuminated a statue of a mother nuzzling her newborn baby. Blessed are you, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Though I was listening to that song for the very first time, my heart understood what my ears could not.

 

To this day, I can’t listen to Ave Maria without tears. No matter what our religious beliefs, I think we all yearn for the blessings that come of being swaddled in the protective arms of a loving mother.

 

May your holidays be merry and bright, and may all your days be filled with peace and unconditional love.

28 Comments

  2. I loved the Schubert when I was a teen, but I’ve become exceedingly fond of the Bach-Gounod version as an adult. I’ve sung both, of course, but as a performer, the Bach-Gounod can’t be beat. It’s up there with O Holy Night for Christmas performance pieces, in my opinion.

    Have a merry Christmas, Melodye.

    • You’re a musical performer? Somehow I didn’t know that, but I’m not surprised, given your artistic and lyrical sensibilities. I would love to hear you sing…!Are you in a professional choir?

      Ho ho hope your holidays are full of fun and beautiful music!

  6. This is one of my favorite Christmas songs, especially when sung in Latin.

    Merry Christmas, Melodye. Thank you for your friendship and support this year. Your writing have kept me in touch with LJ when I was out of touch, and I’m thankful you’re a part of my life.

    Laura

    • You know, I don’t think I’ve ever heard it sung in English. Hmm…I think I’d prefer the Latin version, too, if only because I can translate it through my own thoughts and emotions.

      We’ve missed you around here, Laura, and I’m always glad to “see” you, whether it’s on LJ or in my Inbox. Keep writing, and keep coming back. We need you…xoxo

      • I’ve missed all of you, too.

        I’m tip toe’ing back and it feels good. 2008 went by like a flash of events and now the holidays and the New Year are a chance to get back into the swing of things, esp. with my connections here.

        All my best,
        Laura

  7. I listened to the Perry Como version today. :>)

    It gets me, too. My mother was Catholic, and her name was Mary.

    Hope the new year brings you peace, love and contentment.

    • Oh, now I’ve got to look up Perry Como’s version, to see how it compares. I’ll bet it’s lovely. And that your Mother Mary was Catholic…I’m guessing the song’s even more meaningful for you.

      Thanks for sharing part of your Christmas with me! xo

  8. I fell in love with Ave Maria the first time I heard it sung by Mario Lanza. As I grew older I liked other versions, especially the one sung by Andy Williams…which used to bug my husband as he was a Pavarotti fan and hated tainting the waters, so to speak, by having to play them both on the record player as we put up the tree on Christmas Eve. Yup, Santa brought the tree too!

    Hope you had a wonderful Christmas, Melodye!

    • Maria Lanza? I wonder if his recording’s on YouTube. Thanks for the tip–I’ll take a look! And Andy Williams vs. Pavarotti, LOL! Shh, don’t tell, but I’m not a big fan of Pavarotti’s singing of this particular song. It’s too stage-crafted and overblown for my tastes. I like the versions that sound more like an intimate prayer.

      Thank you for sharing some of your Christmas memories with me, and for sharing your friendship all year long.

      • I agree with you about Pavarotti. He is too much of a perfectionist…too by the book. That’s why I liked Mario Lanza, there was emotion in his voice, and he could nail those high C’s just as well as Pavarotti.

        That is also why I liked Isaac Stern as a violinist, instead of Jascha Heifetz. I could always spot an Isaac Stern song, as I’d be bawling in no time after only a couple of bars…his playing tugged at my heartstrings.

        Thank you for being such a good friend, Melodye. You’re one of a kind!! {{{Hugs}}}

  10. Goosebumps…yes. That happens to me, too! If ever a piece of music seemed divinely inspired, it’s this one.

    After writing this post, I wished that I could recapture that memory by going to mass again. Next year, for sure. Your girls are very lucky that they get to enjoy experiences like that with you. How very thoughtful, that you make it happen.

    xo

  12. I hope that you had a wonderful, wonderful holiday, Melodye. And may the coming year be filled with peace, love, friendship and success for you. May 2009 be your best year ever. Peace and friendship to you.

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