Saint Kateri Tekakwitha known as Lily of the Mohawks (1656 – April 17, 1680)
The first Native American woman to be canonized as a Catholic saint.
Lunt-Fontanne Theater NYC
There was a much warmer, less dark and often safer, less stressed out feel at Jerry Garcia Band shows as compared to when the full circus was in town… at least for me. Sometimes there was palpable darkness at Grateful Dead shows. Sometimes a sense of a hidden hand. Some bad medicine men as well. And yes, many beautiful souls and dancers.
Jerry Garcia’s female backup singers brought a beautiful and vital feminine presence to the stage throughout his career. Donna Jean Godchaux-Mackay and Maria Muldaur formed a warm, complementary pair, their voices blending with natural grace. Later, Gloria Jones and Jacklyn LaBranch delivered a powerful, forceful duo that added strength and soul to the sound. Knowing Maria Muldaur is a Christian, I’m confident she—and likely the other women—often felt moved to pray as they looked out over the crowds. From small clubs to sold-out arenas like Madison Square Garden, they saw a million faces at their feet: some lost, some found, many searching. It’s moving to imagine one of them silently asking the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ to pour into the room, or praying that the blood of Jesus would cover and protect everyone present. Those quiet prayers, carried by their voices and presence, may have gently diffused a bad drug experience or two and helped more than a few people find their way safely home.
in 1 paragraph tell me the scripture verses related to the phrase, prayers avail much and roman catholic saints sayings related to it
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The phrase “prayers avail much” (or more precisely, “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”) originates from the Bible in James 5:16 (KJV), which states: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” This verse emphasizes the great power and effectiveness of earnest, righteous prayer, often cited in Christian teachings—including Roman Catholic ones—to highlight how prayer from those in right standing with God produces significant results, as exemplified by Elijah’s prayers earlier in the passage. In Roman Catholic tradition, this scripture supports the value of intercessory prayer, including asking saints in heaven (who are perfectly righteous and united with God) to pray for us, since their prayers “avail much” due to their holiness. While specific direct quotes from saints echoing the exact phrase are rare, many saints echo its spirit on prayer’s immense power: St. Padre Pio called prayer “the best weapon we have” and “the key to God’s heart,” St. Teresa of Calcutta described it as essential as air for spiritual life and a means of putting oneself in God’s hands, St. Catherine of Siena taught that prayer unites the soul with God and makes her “another Himself,” and St. John Vianney affirmed “Prayer is nothing else but union with God.” These teachings align with James 5:16 by underscoring that fervent, faith-filled prayer—whether from the living or the saints—wields tremendous spiritual efficacy.
I had a chance to say hello to Jerry in NYC in Fall of 1987 after a Lunt-Fontanne Broadway show. As he was leaving the theater, I simply said, “thanks for the songs about Jesus Christ”. He said, “thank you” and smiled as he settled into a van. Jerry played and sang Gospel themed tunes from his earliest days. Over the years he sang Amazing Grace, Drifting Too Far From Shore, Gomorrah, Sisters and Brothers, I’ll Be With Thee as well as Midnight Moonlight, which references the Blessed Virgin Mother and Holy Spirit.
New York City skateboarder, John Kahn lookalike, catches a nice moment.
In Drifting Too Far From Shore Garcia sang “Come to Jesus today, let Him show you the way”.
See The Garcia project featuring Maria Muldaur, Peter Rowan, Lacklyn LaBranch, Buzz Buchanan and others
So Bob, thank you very much for the songs of and pointing to Jesus Christ. Your shared experience was helpful for me in my walk with Jesus Christ. Thank you for your bold profession of Christ to those who were, are and will be listening for generations to come. May you, your ancestors and progeny be blessed, healed and protected. Thanks for all the melodies, words and songs. Thanks for the songs of Jesus Christ.
Here is a song of mine…
Video Link to YouTube LINES OF PEOPLE
by the Book of James 1:27 Band with the Pearl of Great Price Strings, Dali Mama Music for Gold Calf Records.
- James Finnen Vocals
- Taylor and Cynthia Gray background vocals
- John Guth Bass Guitar
- Frank Colonatto Drums
- Adam Gloc Keyboards
- Eric Cohen Pedal Steel Guitar
- Baba Jai Native Indian Flute
- Tom Fabry Lyrics and Guitars
- Recorded at John Guth Studios, Valley Cottage New York
Photos from Lunt-Fontanne Theater: Oct 1987
Saint Bernadette of Soubirous, pray for us.