Atan Bithen del Carmen
In Chamorro, Señora Carmen Camacho Rojas sings “Atan Bithen del Carmen” in honor of her patron saint, Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Singing in her language brings back childhood memories of tagging along with her late aunt, who taught her the rituals of a techa (a prayer leader). Today, Carmen is a techa for her family, her extended family, and her Church community.
Señora Carmen’s Playlist
There are many songs sung in honor of the Virgin Mary. The songs are sung at different nubena (novena) and most are appropriate to sing at the matai (funeral). Typically, they are slower paced, a bit melancholy, and filled with heartfelt melodies.