The "fitinhas" of our faith

For those who don't know, these are the front steps of Bonfim Church, located in the lower city, in the "bairro" of Bonfim, Salvador, Brazil. The colored fine pieces of fabric hanging at the wind are the famous "fitinhas" which bear the symbology of our faith in this who is our Patron Saint, the Great Master, the protector of Bahia. In Candomblé, He is Oxalá, the greatest of all the Orishas. Coming here is not something I do pretty often. It's a lovely and wonderful place, but far out of my way. But when we have friends who come to Bahia, especially for the first time, we come here. And every time I climb those steps, I feel something different. This place is more than a place of pilgrimage. It's a place which synthesizes all our belief in a high and superior force who is up there taking care of us, looking upon us, making sure we can move on in life, being sort of ready to face all the 'goods and bads' that, naturally, comprise our journey here in this world. A recent visit and I felt my body shake, my faith tremble, my heart pound differently. This is indeed a place to come and remain in silence, reflect, pray. And as we leave, get at least one "fitinha", tie it to our arm, and make three wishes. I did. And I left renovated in my faith in life. I did! What a place!