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Review of
the
DIVINE MERCY
CHAPLET
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I've been following
Mark Mallett's career since his first CD, Deliver Me From Me,
debuted in 1999. Back then, the quality of the performances,
songwriting and production were unmatched. Mallett began on a
mainstream contemporary Christian path but more and more has
turned to devotional, distinctly Catholic projects. His rosary
CD Through Her Eyes: A Journey to Jesus broke new ground in presenting
a devotional recording that was not only prayerful, but very
artistically satisfying. The Divine Mercy Chaplet takes the same
path but again breaks new ground by adding a much deeper dimension
to the familiar devotion begun by Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska.
Mallett uses the
stations of the cross to enhance the prayer and it is a brilliant
stroke. Moreso, he uses the stations celebrated by Pope John
Paul II in 1991 which vary from the traditional stations. To
many, following these stations will be a new experience and that
in and of itself will breathe new life into the meditations for
the divine mercy chaplet. The 15 stations are broken up into
3 sets. Thus, you end up praying the entire chaplet 3 times,
with one station to meditate on for every set of 10 prayers said.
Mallett has composed
a new Our Father that has one of the most accessible and singable
melodies I have come across in a long time. He has also composed
melodies for the opening Eternal Father prayer (a different melody
for set of prayers) and the ending Holy God prayer.
Fr. Don Calloway,
a young American priest whose dramatic and miraculous conversion
story has been likened to that of St. Augustine's, recites the
prayers.
Darcy Phillips
has again composed beautiful original music scores for all the
meditations; these scores really enhanced the meditations and
made them come alive.
Mallett also provides
several new songs on the themes of mercy, love and healing, and
even throws in a beautiful 'unplugged' version of the first song
from his first album, "Jesus, Set Me Free."
I found this project
to be immensely soothing, healing and prayerful. I listened again
and again and meditated on each prayer, each song. It's a wonderful
companion for a long commute or drive. On this project, Mallett
has truly achieved that intimacy and authenticity through his
music that has the power to touch and change hearts.
Susan Bailey
Grapevine Magazine
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What folks
have said about
LET THE LORD
KNOW...
|
"Pure
gold, pure grace, and beauty, and truth--so full of soul!"
Author
Michael D. O'Brien
("Fr. Elijah")
"It is more beautiful than words
can express but perhaps knowing that I have shed tears while
listening to and singing these inspirational songs of praise,
you will know how deeply in my soul I am affected by Mark's
music."
Bob Rice
New Hartford, CD
"I would not think of beginning
my day without listening to your music while getting ready to
go to work.
I am not able to attend daily mass, but after singing along I
feel as if I have worshipped with all my heart."
Joyce Peterson
Houston, TX
"I
just received your new cd in the mail today. Personally, I think
this is the best one yet.
They are all excellent but this one really is 'deeply moving'.
Thank you."
Linda Potter
Smithers, BC
"What blessings your music brings!!!
I've been enjoying your latest CD for weeks now
and I'm finally taking the time to thank you for the tremendous
work you two do....lovely, stirring
musical creations which I love to share with my family and friends...
How in the world can you continue to crank out so many "favourite"
songs??"
Karen Roche
Medicine Hat, AB
"
...consistently well-produced, beautifully
packaged, expertly penned songs...
simple and crystalline clear... soothing textures and timbres"
PJ LIttleton
Catholic Parent Magazine
"I am so overwhelmed, but
am often just brought to tears listening."
S. Smilsk
Cold Lake, AB
"I was waiting to tell you after
I decided which song I liked the best but I can't decide they
are all so wonderful, thank you. They are very very inspirational, can't wait for more."
Terry Valmont
St. Briex, SK
"I like "Let the Lord Know"
very much. Just one problem though...
I have to make sure that I listen to "How Long?' when I'm
alone because tears stream down my face.
Thank Mark for me, he expressed my yearning to "go Home"
perfectly."
Catherine Fornier
Domestic-Church.com
"This music is really annointed...
Keep up the FABULOUS work. I give it 2 "thumbs up"....
I'd give it more had I more thumbs!!!"
Kelly Piet
Houston, Texas |
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What folks
have said about
SONG FOR KAROL...
|
"Beautiful! Truly inspiring."
Ralph
Martin
President, Renewal Ministries
"...I
am sitting here recovering... a beautiful and touching song for
the 'Great One'"
Tom
Booth
Life Teen USA
"....will
leave no one unmoved."
Author
Michael D. O'Brien
("Fr. Elijah")
"Beautiful
song... captures so well this great man's life."
Fr.
Thomas Rosica
Salt & Light Catholic Media Foundation
Toronto, ON
"Outstanding!!!"
Michael
Allen
Assisant Head of Wardrobe, Cirque du Soleil
"I
cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed, loved, been inspired
by that CD... I play it over and over! It is incredibly beautiful."
Patty
Thomas
"I LOVE IT... Your
song is perfect and speaks to my heart and soul."
Paula
Cole
Collinsville, OK
"I have
never heard anyone put to music such perfect words of praise
and thanksgiving."
Theresa
Allen
"What
a great way to remember him! You
have captured the man and his message during his reign as Pope. The song is a beautiful tribute to him."
Sheila Doherty
"Thank you for bringing everything
I see to works and beautiful song."
Teresa
Allen
"It
is a beautiful tribute to the man, and happens to pick up, rather
providentially, on a number of themes in his pontificate: the
giving of his life... life for the bride; teachings on theology
of the body as integral to the image of the mystical marriage
of Christ and the Church, & the exercise of the keys"
Father Guy Trudel
St. Michael's College, Toronto, ON |
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What folks
have said about
THROUGH HER
EYES...
|
"...breathtaking!"
Loretta
Hopegood
Assistant Director, JPII Bible School, Canada
"Mallett
has released the finest, holiest contemplative reflection of
the life of Jesus ever presented in a recording... lush, evocative
music scores... should be ecumenically in every home, every
car, every Walkman throughout the world.
No Rosary presentation committed to electronic media that I know
of is more engaging, more accessible, more stirring."
PJ
Littleton
Catholic Parent Magazine
"Deeply moving...
it will help you to
pray with renewed fervor."
Michael D. O'Brien
Author of "Father Elijah"
"Groundbreaking... a must-add
to your collection."
Susan Bailey
Grapevine Magazine
"[Congratulations] for taking concrete steps
to further the New Evangelization of our culture in such a professional
way."
Fr. Marcial Maciel,
L.C.
Founder of the Legionaries of Christ
"This CD is really a work
of art. I don't know of another Rosary CD that has been so well
produced, with that unique musical score for each mystery. Mark,
thank you for giving us such a beautiful opportunity to renew
our devotion to the Blessed Mother.
Paul
Denver, Colorado
I
very much enjoyed your CD, and found it to be meditative and
conducive to peace and hope... know of my supportive companionship
with you in prayer."
Bishop Eugene J. Cooney
Nelson, BC
Having
prayed the Rosary for many years, our spirits have soared in
hearing this new setting. We plan to use it daily."
Honorary Col. Doug
Marr & Cathy Marr
"This is indeed 'Rosary history
in the making!' ...this Rosary CD is completely unique! Where
else can you find a meditation on the rosary like this?
It's totally new in its expression and feeling. It takes
the rosary from just a prayer experience to a living experience...
The kids keep going back to play
The Creed. It's their favourite song these days, it seems. They
dance around the house singing and whooping it up!
What a gift to the world you
are creating, in and through the Holy Spirit--this work is most
definitely anointed!"
Carmen Marcoux
Catholic Author
"...awe-inspiring...
breathtaking and uplifting"
Doug
Archer
Catholic Music Network
FULL
REVIEW
"I've listened to many different
Rosary CDs and this one is truly unique - one that you can listen
to over and over and not get tired of."
Eniko Voss
Culture of Life, San Diego, CA
"I am overcome totally by the power of the CD...
I love [it] so much that I am sharing it with others. Also I
lent our priest my Deliver Me From me CD and he liked it so much
that I didn't have the heart to ask for it back. Our little 5
year old grandson now prays the rosary with us and loves the
CD, he already knows all the songs."
I. Cadieux
Shaunovan, SK
"...I became immersed in this beautiful prayer
and was moved to tears on many occasions and a deeper place of
contemplation."
Vicki Beier
Catholic Family Ministries
"Truly a "masterwork"!
The music works perfectly to focus the mind upon each mystery...
The Scourging at the Pillar gave me chills."
Daniel J. Conway
Massilon, Ohio
"Wonderful CD... absolutely without a
doubt a favorite. Bless you a thousand times."
Rainbow Books &
Gifts
Medicine Hat, AB
"...parishioners are loving your new
CD... Thanks for the great work."
S. Borges
Christ the King Parish
Kitimat, BC
"...excellent
and it certainly is a refreshing way to pray the Rosary."
RosaryUnlimitedSite.com
"I really enjoy & grow with this CD &
all your CDs I listen to them every day. I started
with the Deliver Me cd & got hooked... I've combined
the rosary with my walk on the threadmill & find it
is very good for body & soul."
C. Smits
Edmonton, AB
"This
has been much anticipated and it was definitely worth waiting
for! ...I prayed the Sorrowful Mysteries with my Grade 5
students last Friday and by the second decade they were raising
their hands and swaying to the music during the Apostle's Creed.
It was an amazing teachable moment about how prayer can be uplifting--it
doesn't have to be boring. They absolutely loved it and
asked me to play it again and again."
K. Larsen
Medicine Hat, AB
"...a
powerful accompaniment to your prayer life... also make a wonderful
introduction to the devotion for those who are out of practice."
Paul Schratz
BC Catholic
"...it
is wonderful. Thank you very much! I'm using it to pray while
I drive."
L. Thomas
Shrewsbury, MA, USA
"I
would try to describe to you how I feel about the cd, but there
are no true words that would do it the justice it deserves....
It is just utterly amazing.!!!!!"
S. Smilsk
Cold Lake, AB
"...truly
awesome.
Never before in my life have I sat down for all 4 mysteries in
one sitting -- wow."
D. Mallett
Edmonton, AB
"This is truly an inspired work... Every
song fills my soul and brings me closer to God... The entire
work is a treal treasure in my life."
G. Giannotti
Massachusetts, USA
"What fun and a great way to start my day."
L. Truswell
Cold Lake, AB
"I
really LOVE the Rosary [CD]. It has been a tremendous help in
reviving my devotion as well as a big help in my quest to keep
my grandchildren Catholic and teach them the prayers."
M. Egizio
Illinois, USA
"...beautiful, prayerful, and reflective
...a rich background for the reflections on the mysteries of
Christ's life, passion, death, and glory. I have used it for
quiet personal prayer and reflection, but also often put it on
as a backdrop to my day."
D. Balcovek
Nepean, ON
"I
really love the CD... truly a spiritual experience each
time I play it."
A.
Pillarelli
Merrimack, NH, USA
"Through this brilliant CD, Mark Mallett
appeals to the heart, the mind, the imagination and the spiritual
needs of young people to bring them to Jesus through Mary. I
heartily encourage you to listen to this music and allow your
heart to be transformed by its power,
beauty and meaning."
Fr. Thomas Rosica
Salt + Light Catholic Media Foundation
Formerly National Director & C.E.O. World Youth Day 2002
"They
sell like hotcakes!"
St.
Joseph & the Angels Emporium
Edmonton, AB
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What folks
have said about
LOVE HOLDS ON...
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"...a Canadian voice waiting to be heard
by the masses."
Larry Delaney
Country Music News
"Mark's
CD by FAR is one of the top in Canada this year...bar none!"
Lianna Klassen
Christian Recording Artist
"...earthy and organic...tender and delicious. Mark
Mallett hits a home run with his second time at bat. Any fan
of Steve Wariner, Colin Raye or the legendary Don Williams will
be cheering after Mallett's 13 innings of love holding on."
PJ Littleton
Catholic Parent Magazine
"Mark Mallett has done it again. Filled with strong
writing and great vocals all wrapped up in pristine and imaginative
arranging and production, "Love Holds On" is
a worthy follow up to [his] debut album.... by far one of the
best male vocalists in Catholic music."
Susan Bailey
MP3.com
"I've had a chance to listen to Mark's
CD and was so impressed that I added 'Without The Pain'
immediately to medium rotation. The entire CD is outstanding
and we're very excited to have the chance to share it with our
listeners. Definitely major label material! Congratulations!"
Leanne Doty, Music
Director
CKLQ Radio, Brandon MB
"WOW!!!!
In a world of CD's being released that have 2-3 good songs and
8 fillers, this is incredible! The production is AWESOME!!...
I've heard pro's release their 5th or 6th CD with a whole team
of Record company executives who could only dream of releasing
a CD of such originality!"
Wayne Kelly, Morning
DJ
KBS FM, Trail BC
"Just
received it in the mail. We love it and will be playing it no
problem. Mark has released a CD worthy of major label interest.
I hope it receives the acceptance it deserves... The single:
'Without the Pain' definitely stood out."
Bruce Leperre, Program/Music
Director
730 CKDM, Dauphin MB
"Very
impressed, and will definitely be using some on my radio program..."
Errol Campbell, Radio
Host
CFCY 630 AM, Charlottetown, PEI
"'Master of Chorus'... I have never met or heard
any musician provide the catchy choruses Mark Mallett provides.
'Love Holds on' is absolutely captivating, it creates
an ambiance and atmosphere that is powerful and enveloping."
Adam Paterno
Catholic Times, Montréal, QC
"Absolutely stunning...
easily the best piece I've ever worked on."
Barry
Allen
Engineer on Love Holds On
"Mark Mallett's
latest release has taken what might have been considered "New
Country" to a whole new stratosphere. The combination of
inspired lyrics and uplifting melodies leads the listener on
an incredible spiritual journey, not to mention an appetite for
more!"
Mark
Masri
100 Huntley Street Music Producer
"Supreme from beginning
to end, front to back. We know the high quality of Mark's first
album "Deliver Me From Me". He's outdone himself in
his most recent work... Some of the most supreme artistry in
Canadian Christian music Ministry Networks has ever seen."
Laurie
Vincent
Ministry Networks, Canada
"Mark's music is
like a bridge reconnecting sacred and human values. He weaves
together God, love, relationships, and commitment in a contemporary
tapestry that touches and inspires."
John
Connelly
Life Vision Communications
"I cannot begin
to explain how much I love the music on this wonderful CD."
Theresa
Jobse
Devon, Alberta
"Our family is on the way
to wearing out both CD's (the girls' favorite is Kingdom of
Freedom; it often runs 10x in a row)!"
Daniel
& Lindsay Blais
Edmonton, Alberta
"PHENOMENAL!!! I can't even say which
songs are my favorites...because they all have a unique, touching
message."
Tracy Deal
Vegreville, AB
"Lord
Have Mercy!!!!!!!! Mercy is a great song. They all are
but this one will be the one I will play over and over."
David Meyer
Medicine Hat, AB
"It
is just as inspirational as "Deliver Me From Me." Magically
the lyrics to most of your songs become imbedded in my mind and
I wake up some mornings with the words and tunes coming back
to "haunt" me in a beautiful way, of course."
Maureen Winchester
Edmonton, AB
"'Without
The Pain' has been on maximum rotation ... Great tune,
great hook! Thanks for writing stuff good enough to play On
The Way (for a metalhead I'm pretty picky)!
Terry Hughes
Gospel Music Director, CKER 101.9
"I
must listen to that CD at least once a day these past 3 weeks...
and everytime i'm still amazed at the depth of talent that Mark
has!"
Alice Lessard
Edmonton, AB
"After
listening to Mark's cd I was struck by the fact that Mark doesn't
just sing songs, he gives them life."
Bruce Bowie
CISN FM, Edmonton
"[Love
Holds On] has been anointed for me, healing, and has helped me
to appreciate Margot in ways I haven't since we were first dating!!!!!!!
Thanks."
Laurier Byer
Edmonton, AB
"Mark's
well crafted songs and positive outlook are richly captured in
this album's great performances and production."
Steve Bell
Singer/songwriter
"Thanks
soooo much for the album.. I think it is really strong!! ...both
Moe and I already are singing "As You Are" to each
other... my favorite already!!"
Nick Gulka
CISN FM, Edmonton
"Mark's
CD is WONDERFUL!!!! The high level of artistry and musicianship equal
the heart and soul, reaching deep - way to go!"
Deborah Andrews
Blue Sky Productions
"The
first 2 cuts are excellent and as always his words have deep
meaning."
Buddy Sohl
WLCR Music
"I
absolutely LOVE the CD. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!"
Christine M.
Edmonton, AB
"My
absolute favorite song is the title song, Love Holds On.
Its so beautiful!! Without the Pain is a close second,
followed by Here in Tofino. My brother and I (I'm 18,
and my brother is 16) really, really enjoy this CD!"
Jessica Benge
Hemet, CA, USA
"If
a CD could actually wear out, I might have done it already. But
what won't wear out is my love for the songs on this album.
It's hard to pick a favorite after several months. "Love
Holds On" and"WIthout the Pain" were my first
choices, but lately I've been playing "He Turned One"
and "Mind Over Matter" more. Just tonite, tho, I listened
to thelast two songs with fresh ears: "Still Hold My Heart"
and "Mercy" - very powerful songs.
Actually, I love all the songs.
Repeated listening of the entire CD is like a relentless tattoo
upon the mind and spirit... each song seems to be apart of a
greater whole. Thank you for being an example throught your music
of the strength, yet tenderness and compassion that a Christian
man should be. I'm inspired and encouraged."
Brian Venance
Lloydminster, SK
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What folks
have said about
DELIVER ME FROM
ME...
|
"Your words and music are beautiful. These
are like 'food for my soul'."
Kasia
Dankiewicz
Cracow, Poland
"Once in a blue moon, I come
across a recording that I know little to nothing about by an
artist whose talent is only surpassed by his/her own relative
obscurity. This puts the artist in that mixed blessing category
of "The Best Artist You've Never Heard". Mark Mallett,
come accept this month's... place of lunar distinction. Deliver Me From Me should be assigned its own permanent
disc number in your car's CD changer."
PJ
Littleton
Catholic Parent Magazine
"Mark Mallett has already made a serious
contribution to the world of Catholic music....Great performance,
great production. One of the best CD's I have heard in a while.
Considering this beginning, Mark will deliver some profound music
and ministry for many years to come."
Tom Booth
Recording Artist, Co-founder Life Teen, USA
"...beautiful and moving. I'm listening
to it for the 2nd time since it arrived a few hours ago. There
are some very fine ballad-meditations on it."
Michael D. O'Brien
Author, "Father Elijah"
"Congratulations on this achievement! Our great
God and Savior has certainly gifted you with a wonderful talent
and ability to communicate your heart."
Dr. Bill Bright
Campus Crusade for Christ
Orlando, Florida, USA
"As
soon as I put this CD in the CD player, I knew this was not your
typical independent release...a very promising debut and definitely
a cut above your normal Catholic release."
Catholic Register
"Mark Mallett's CD is great, but no where
near as good as seeing him in concert. He has an amazing collection
of praise songs that knock your socks off."
Chris Lamontagne
Red Deer, AB
"I enjoy your cd so much and often listen
to it on my way to morning mass or on the way home."
Louise Lindsay
Edmonton, Alberta
"We
really enjoyed your concert. You really ministered to both of
us. Your CD has been a constant blessing to me. I am home with
our son Zac (14 months) and listen to it all the time. I eagerly
await your next CD."
Kelley Nadurak
Calgary, Alberta
"All
I can say is..."WOW!". You have such a pure and beautiful
voice - the music is very moving... "Deliver Me From Me"
is still my absolute favourite. Your wife and photographer did
a wonderful job..."
Stephanie Tynan
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Mark,
I just got home from your concert in Calgary and wanted to thank
you for your inspiration...You are so blessed with great songwriting,
guitar playing and singing skills, and we are indeed fortunate
to be witness to your talents. Keep up the great work...
Greg Resnik,
Calgary, Alberta
"'Deliver
Me From Me' is a refreshing addition to my CD collection.
I find it uplif ting both spiritually and musically. As
I read down the list of supporting musicians on the album, I
noted many that I know and greatly admire as some of the best
in the music industry. Obviously, there was no scrimping when
it came to the quality of the production, and it becomes quite
evident from the first chord that comes out of the stereo speakers.
As Mark bares his soul and shares himself on this work, you'll
find yourself relating in a very personal way."
Bruce Bowie
CISN FM, Edmonton, Alberta
"I LOVE your new CD!!!!! I've been listening
to it so much, my dad even commented by saying "Sounds like
it's going to be one of your favorites!", and you know what?
It is!!"
Joanne Kurzitza
Edmonton, Alberta
"FANTASTIC songs! I just finished
listening through the whole CD and will recommend [it] to our
music director... This is great music and lyrics. The lyrics
really touch my heart on a personal note... my inner feelings
were in the words of these songs."
Rex Mindach
Alexandria, Minnesota, USA
"Thanks for your wonderful CD. I have to tell you
that it's on my top 10 list. I listen to it all the time. There
are so many levels that I love to listen to on it - one day it's
the words, another it's the instrumentals, another the great
vocals, another the superb production. Your album is so clear
- every little detail comes out (and there are many wonderful
details...).
Your producer did a fine job...Your
album is going to provide me with many hours of enjoyment and
blessings. I can hear the prayerfulness and the influence of
the Holy Spirit in your work..."
Susan Bailey
GrapeVine Magazine
The Contemporary Catholic Artists Network (CCAN)
"Mark your CD is incredible, you guys
did a great job. All I can say now is WOW!!!!! ...great job on
the cover."
Eileen Young
Calgary, Alberta
"I just got your CD -- I loved it. You
are truly a blessed man. Wow Go God, and way to go Mark on following
HIM..."
Lisa Breckon
Regina, Saskatchewan
"Too
Cool! ...I find the more I listen to your CD (especially in reflection
mode), I feel the songs touch my heart and soul! That's how you
know a great artist. RE-LATE-ABLE baby!
Great show...very entertaining
and yet thought provoking. Sound was better than any live show
I've ever seen."
Wayne Kelly
KBS-FM, Trail,
BC
"Thankyou so much for producing such a
beautiful CD... Jolene & I love it!! We find it very peaceful
and such a powerful tool to use for prayer... The words from
your CD are very inspiring and hopeful...thank you for being
open to God's mercy and the words he has given you to teach others
about it. Your CD is truly a God-send..."
Warren & Jolene
Scherr
Ottawa, Ontario
"I
really enjoyed listening to "You Are The Same". I don't
listen to much country music, but just by listening to that song
may change my listening habits. It was very peaceful and I felt
the Holy Spirit ministering throughout the song. Keep up the
most excellent work!"
DaNo / NewSong Online
Ministries
"Your music inspires me to get back up
and walk again.It has the power to deliver me from me directly
into the heart and home of the Father. It reminds me of my calling
to gentleness and simplicity, and as I listen to it on my way
back and forth from work, it helps me focus, pray, and find peace.
Thank you for loving me through your songs."
Pauline MacCallum
Red Deer, Alberta
"Very appealing and straight to the heart
music! ...We would be extremely grateful to be associated with
you, Mark, and your very talented wife who designed your site!"
Trish Nieto
CATHOLIC ONLINE, Sales & Advertising
"Great stuff! And in a very professional
package, too.
Lots of Catholic artists skimp on the design but yours is as
top-notch as the music...I'll be programming some in the next
show. Thanks again."
Larry Nolte
New Hearts New voices Radio
"Thank you so much for sending us a copy
of this wonderful music. Everyone in the house loves it and we
are already spreading the word...as I kept listening and relistening
to the CD it became a background prayer for my working and I
slowly but definitely fell in love with the music. I found myself
singing parts of the songs in the chapel and generally throughout
my days. It is beautiful music and much more..."
Patrick Stewart
Madonna House Apostolate
"Just wanted to say what a great job you
and your producer and team did on the CD. It sounds wonderful!!!"
Ron Zabrocki
Producer, Zabrocki Music, USA
"...just letting you know that I'm still listening
to your music, still loving it, still singing to it, and still
being led into prayer with it."
Dave Johner
Kelowna, BC
"[Your CD] has really grown on us. It
is very honest with a real healthy sense of repentance. The musical
choices are beautiful--nice variety. I love the harmonies on
YOU ARE THE SAME..."
Mike & Josée
Marr
Edmonton, Alberta
"I am
extremely happy I bought your CD after all (probably after the
three concerts I have been attending, I got addicted to your
music)...
God gave you a magnificent gift
and I am glad you have been able to discern your vocation...
you can make a difference for so many lost souls... and I am
sure you have touched quite a few already.
I have been listening to your
CD quite a lot and each and every song seems like a prayer...
Your conversations with Our Lord are bold and intimate... a wonderful
way to pray."
Vera Guran
Order of Carmelites
London, Ontario
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