Clamabat autem mulier

Francisco Guerrero’s motet Clamabat autem mulier sets a Gospel passage commonly heard during Lent. The text describes the Canaanite woman’s persistent plea to Jesus for her demon-possessed daughter. The composer’s SATB setting in Latin captures the dramatic urgency of the woman’s cries, Domine, adiuva me. Jesus’s initial response highlights the divine mission, yet the woman’s unwavering faith, magna est fides tua, ultimately moves him to grant her request. Guerrero’s masterful setting emphasizes the power of faith, making this a potent choice for liturgical settings or concert programming during the Lenten season, underscoring themes of supplication and divine compassion.