On a late October day three years ago, Damaris Thillet’s life was changed unexpectedly, after her husband of 36 years, Diego, suddenly died.
Now, during the holidays, a time where memories of lost loved ones are magnified, sparking grief and sadness, the associate director of the Diocese of Camden’s Office of Worship and composer/musician/vocalist has released a liturgical collection in Spanish aimed at bringing comfort and hope to others.
“Everything We Can In God” (Todo lo Podemos en Dios), published by Oregon Catholic Press, a Spanish-language project, is inspired by Scripture, and includes works in musical styles and rhythms inspired by Damaris’ native Puerto Rico.
She hopes the collection will bring “prayer and reflection, peace and hope” for not only church communities, but for grieving families struggling to get through the season.
Thillet believes the music, which she and Diego composed, will inspire people to reach out to others in need.
During this time when shoppers are looking for that perfect sweater, gift card, or piece of jewelry for a friend or family member, she wants listeners to realize that the greatest gift can be just to “listen and have a conversation” with those in sadness.
She knows her music, and people’s presence in the lives of those they care about, can spread “the message of Jesus’ resurrection, and bring joy and hope.”
On Sunday, Dec. 16, she and her 29 year-old-son, Joel, himself a singer and musician, brought their talents and message to Philadelphia’s Aspira Educational Campus, in a concert of praise and evangelization. Several residents of South Jersey, including parish leaders attended and/or participated as musicians in the event.
In addition to her work in Camden, the talented Thillet is busy fulfilling her duties as regional representative of the Northeast Hispanic National Institute of Liturgy, and one of the founders and current president of the Hispanic Pastoral Musicians Associations of the East Coast.
Whether onstage, in her office, or teaching children the nuances of the Cuatro, Thillet knows her longtime partner, in music and life, is ever-present.
“I have no doubt that Diego is spiritually with me,” she says.
For more information on Damaris Thillet, visit www.damaristhillet.com, or e-mail damaristhillet@gmail.com