Praying Twice

The human voice
in song
is floating on the wings of prayer—

“Ave Maria” (Hail Mary)

I see the statue of Mary.
She is young and beautiful,
but so holy and loving.

“Mater Dei” (Mother of God)

I remember those who have gone before us
and are looking down from heaven.

“ora nobis peccatoribus” (pray for us sinners)

pray for us,
all of us,
now and at the hour of our death.

The notes resound,
then silence.

The prayer is ended,
but there is a calm
and I know that the music
has touched many hearts,
including my own.

By Gina Langferman

(Gina Langferman is a member of St. Barnabas Parish in Indianapolis.) †

The Criterion