Those like me who watched the telecast of the 2024 contest on SBS might have missed it (I certainly did), but one of the most popular entries this year had a very strong Catholic underpinning.
The entry from Ukraine, ‘Teresa & Maria’, by Jerry Heil and alyona alyona, celebrated the strength and durability of women, evoking Mother Teresa and the Virgin Mary as inspiration.
The people of Ukraine have endured great loss over the last two years, and the war has left a mark on many lives. In interviews, the two artists said that their song came about during a conversation about people they have lost, and how it’s often not until someone is gone that we really reflect on what a gift their life has been – how ‘holy’ that person was.
The song invokes Virgin Mary and Mother Teresa as two women who were born human like the rest of us, but who became holy through their actions. Just like those two women, all of us have it in us to choose to walk a better path.
As Jerry Heil notes in an interview, ‘No one was born holy – we all came here as human beings, so who we become is our responsibility… If you want the change – be the change.’
The chorus of the song goes:
Z namy Mama Tereza i Diva Maria
Bosi, niby po lezu, ishly po zemli
With us mama Teresa, Diva Maria
All the Divas were born as human beings
Translated:
Mother Teresa and Virgin Mary are with us
Barefoot, as if on a blade, they walked on the ground
With us are Mother Teresa and Virgin Mary
All the divas were born as human beings
You can find the full lyrics here.
FOR THE CLASSROOM
After reading, consider completing the following reflection questions and activities.
Reflection questions
1. Reflect on the message of the song 'Teresa & Maria' as discussed in the article. How do the lives of Mother Teresa and the Virgin Mary exemplify the concept that holiness is achieved through actions rather than birth? Provide specific examples from their lives and relate them to the idea that 'we all came here as human beings, so who we become is our responsibility.'
2. Considering the context in which the song was written, how do you think the experiences of the Ukrainian artists and their country’s recent history influenced the song’s message about loss, reflection, and the holiness of everyday people? How can their perspective inspire you to see the holiness in those around you and in your own actions?
3. The article and song highlight the idea that 'if you want the change – be the change.' Reflect on a situation in your life where you faced a challenge or witnessed suffering. How can the examples of Mother Teresa and the Virgin Mary inspire you to take action in that situation? What steps can you take to make a positive impact in your community or personal life?
Activities
1. Eurovision Songwriting Workshop: Have students work in small groups to write their own Eurovision-style song that celebrates positive values or inspiring figures. They can create lyrics, compose simple melodies, and even choreograph a fun performance. Each group can then perform their song for the class, celebrating creativity and the positive messages they've chosen to highlight.
2. Artistic Representation of Holiness: Provide students with art supplies and ask them to create a visual representation of what holiness means to them, inspired by the lives of Mother Teresa, the Virgin Mary or a saint of your choosing. This could be in the form of a drawing, painting, collage, or digital art. Once completed, students can share their artwork with the class and explain the meaning behind their creations.
Resources: The Bible in art; Explorations: Why art matters in church