Monday, June 13, 2011

The role of Catholic music in my reversion

So, dear readers, I am so excited, LOL.  Two of my all time favorites are now friends on Facebook,  and MySpace! and I am thrilled!  One more favorite has their own page, which I belong to.
From the moment the first package arrived from Philip Golden, of EWTN, Catholic Music has had a tremendous impact on my journey.
Dana Rosemary Scanlon reached in and touched my  sinful heart with "Humble Myself", and the Blue Rosary.  I listened to those tapes until they broke, and then got the CD's.  Of course I should add, that I met Dana twice, once while I was still very sick.  It was such a HUGE deal that I drove to see her many miles away, (while somewhat agoraphobic) ALONE!   I just wanted a chance to tell her what her music had done for me.  How she had brought me comfort in the solitary life and suffering.
I was so nervous, as I sat down with her at a parish hall table, and touched by how she talked to me for such a very long time, and listened to my story, as if I were the only person there.  Later, I received two of the CD's that I had previously had on tape, and jumped for joy.  I'm sure I bought them, but am not really sure, I had barely enough funds to pay for the gas to go to see her.  My collection has grown, and needs to be refilled, as I do have a habit of "lending" CD's and never getting them back.
The second time was after I was doing much better, and she remembered me.  She asked me to write my story and send it to her..... I never felt worthy enough, yet in some way, this blog is in response to her request.

Donna Cori Gibson appeared on Life on the Rock with Jeff Cavins one evening, when I was really suffering.  I can't swear to it, but I think one of her songs was "I lift up my heart. "  I was captivated beyond words! Listening to her angelic voice, was better than any pain killer I'd ever taken.  She filled my heart so deeply that I was convinced she was singing just for me. 
Since I was unable to go out to much, I begged anyone I could to get me her music.  Maybe I received that first tape from the EWTN Religious Catalog, honestly I don't know.  But I listened to it over and over again, then, again and again.
When Donna Cori came out with the sung Divine Mercy Chaplet, I had to have it, and have given it as a gift to so many.  If you haven't heard it, you owe it to yourself to listen to it!
Dana and Donna are truly Spirit inspired Catholic vocalists and songwriters. 
In the depths of my suffering both of them had the ability to lift me out of moments of despair and fill me with such love that I rejoiced in offering my sufferings in unity with Jesus on His Cross.  I wish there were enough words to express how very important their songs, their lyrics were to me.  If only I could find the words.

As I write this, tears of joy come to my eyes.  I am praying so hard that I will be able to bring Donna Cori to our parish, and Dana too.
In the last few hours I have had the blessings of conversing in email with Donna, and honestly, I'm worse than a little kid with the prospect of seeing Disney World.  Oh if God would grant me the Grace to have her come to my parish, let her stay with my husband and I!
Oh how I would love to share my blog with Dana and Donna Cori! What a joy that would be!
Do you know what I mean?  These awesome Ladies were there for me in my loneliness, when it felt like the entire world had forsaken me, I could listen to them, and feel the depths of love that God has for me.
To this day, the only CD's that ever play in my car are Donna Cori, and Dana and Jon Michael Talbot.  It's been so many years, and I have never tired of their words, melodies, and the way the Holy Spirit touches my soul, my heart with their works.
Thanks for listening/reading.  My journey back home has so many twists and turns, I will write them as the Spirit moves me. 

Tell me, who are your favorite Catholic Musicians?  What makes them move you?

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

What is it with public comments?


I just have to vent here..... I'm so upset that it might sound like a rant.
This week a police officer killed himself, and the papers reported it at least 5 different ways.  The rude, insensitive comments, the horrible things that were said in the public comment section has really disturbed me!  Who are these people?  What is the purpose of causing such harm to the family, co-workers and friends of the deceased?
Then there are the comments on the NCRegister page regarding the article of Bishop Tobin and his wonderful pastoral piece regarding civil unions. 
All kinds of people claiming to have once been Catholic, or worse, practicing Catholics that want to disagree with the Teachings of Holy Mother Church!  Catholics speaking out against each other?
Maybe I'm old fashioned, wait, what?  When did it become old fashioned to have respect for grieving families? When did it become old fashioned to have some degree of common decency?
Why is alright to go on a Catholic news paper and write the most ridiculous comments?
I fear that Satan has truly found his niche, and once upon a time I was part of it.  Between relativism, and the homosexual agenda, people are being led to perdition!
I will share one of the posts that I made in the NCRegister in another blog post.  It shares some of my journey.  However, the more I walk my journey, faithful to the teachings of Holy Mother Church, the more I question what this world has come to!!!!
When I was sick in bed, without visitors, save the visiting nurses, and rare visit to my family, I watched EWTN 24 hours a day, it was the only TV station I watched, (well, except for watching Aileene's Creative Living, ) and I had no idea how bad the world was changing.  I am more than disturbed by what I am seeing, and urge everyone to please pray the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet for the Mercy of God, and intercession of His Immaculate Mother.
I know one thing, if I were God....... well, this world would be dust!

Monday, June 6, 2011

What do you think?


I've been away from my blog for a while, but with it in spirit.
I'd like to share a bit of why I it takes me so long to write.....
In my story I explain that God gave me back my life, but not necessarily my health.  It may sound strange, but I think He made the right choice! However, fatigue and other difficulties, as well as clinical depression just limit my ability to get everything done.  I want to be a good wife, a good daughter, sister, so if something has to take a back seat, it will always be the computer.
     My husband is a wonderful man, and my family of origin is a loving group of individuals that I really enjoy spending time with.  I have a new life, one I never expected to have, and am still settling in with. I've never owned a house before, so I'm thrilled with the constant nesting possibilities, including gardening, which due to my need to not be in heat/sun requires I do what I can in the odd hours.
     Recently there was a post in the NCRegister  regarding Bishop Tobin's recent article about the RI Legislature voting to accept Civil Unions of Homosexuals. (I love Bishop Tobin! even have pictures of myself and husband with him!)
      I was appalled at the comments, and realized that I would love to address the very strange comments..... I posted a few replies on the article, yet.... the more comments get posted, the more I feel like I just have to distance myself from the same bad logic that I bought into when I was living in that lifestyle. 
     I hope that makes sense....
     I'm not saying I won't write in my blog about my journey, however, I am not that person anymore.  I really want to blog about how wonderful life is when you come back to The Catholic Church, and the various things that come to mind on a daily basis as I walk this journey.
     I know I don't have a huge following, however those that do follow are fabulous and encouraging.  I don't want to let you down by not writing something!
     Please let me know what you think, do you think I should continue on writing about my journey?  It seems so many are interested in my reversion, and I'm glad, very glad, however, is it acceptable to write about the here and now part of my journey as well?
     Please leave me a comment, and if you have questions, I'd be more than happy to answer them, (at least that gives me a direction....), last but not least, please accept my apologies for not writing as often as I myself would like.