Prayers for Family

catholic family life  |  family prayer  |  music for worship

The Power of Music

By: Lorraine Hess January 19th, 2026

Singer-songwriter Lorraine Hess shares her thoughts on the power of music in all aspects of our lives. Reflect on how you incorporate music into parenting and prayer. Qui cantat bis orat — Latin for, “who sings, prays twice” (Saint Augustine). How does music double our prayer? Why does music have the power to convey what words alone cannot? And what does that have to do with motherhood? When I visited Lourdes, France, in 2024, I participated in the nightly procession of the statue of Our Lady. Pilgrims from all over the world followed the statue and prayed the Rosary, holding candles. The parade wove in a serpentine up and down the square like a meandering river of light. The first night I was there, I participated in the procession. The second night, I watched from the top of the Basilica, and it was a spectacular display of devotion to Mary. (If you ever go to Lourdes, I highly recommend experiencing both!)