Mayo woman releases CD of healing prayers and hymns
A KNOCK native has released a new CD featuring a beautiful collection of prayers and hymns, especially suitable for the sick.
I Thirst has been compiled by physiotherapist Fiona Jennings, from Ballyfarna, Knock, and this very special compilation is available in local outlets.
After many years of contemplation and careful consideration, Fiona finally decided to record this collection of prayers and hymns.
Inspiration primarily came from her time working as a physiotherapist in Mayo University Hospital and Roscommon University Hospital, not to mention her many years of encountering the faith locally in Knock, House of Emmanuel and further afield in Medjugorje.
Fiona explained: "Hospital care is predominantly medicine-focused. Despite staffs’ best efforts to provide a holistic approach to care, there are limited resources with respect to our spiritual care.
"Since the onset of the pandemic, and especially during lockdowns, there has been severe restrictions on visiting patients, including a priest, except during exceptional circumstances and during end-of-life care.
"In times past, I can vividly recall many memorable moments where I would hear the distinct hum of a family praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet at the bedside of a loved one or a visiting neighbour recite the Rosary together - such a witness of faith. Even previous to the pandemic, these beautiful sights were steadily reducing and I felt there must be something that could be done."
She continued: "During times of sickness, at home or in hospital, it can be very difficult to focus on the most important aspect of our life - our relationship with God. Our faith can be sidelined while our days fill with other duties, e.g. taking medicines, doing our exercises, going to scans /appointments, endless phone calls, and one day just leads to another.
"Particularly during these difficult times, we need our faith just as much as we need our medical treatments.
"The question arose: what can be done to attempt to address this spiritual void? Then, our heaven-inspired CD was born."
The CD is a very prayerful and powerful collection arranged in a way to meet a suffering person’s needs. Over nearly 80 minutes long, the listener is brought along a heavenly journey including well-known prayers like the Rosary, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Healing, Surrender and Forgiveness prayers recited by 10 various people.
Inter-mingled throughout the recording are the melodic tones of tenor Anthony McGorian (Dublin), soprano Orla Phelan (Kilkenny) and Fiona, where they sing hymns that will enhance a heavenly atmosphere. Fr. Robert McNamara (Galway) beautifully sings a captivating arrangement of the 'Our Father'- a true gem.
The prayers are prayed from the heart, explained Fiona, by a diverse group of friends including both priests and laity from various parts of the country. Locally, Fr. Jerald David from (Aghamore/Tooreen/Woodfield, Diocese of Tuam), whose prayerful Indian lilt is a blessed addition to the recording. Fr. Pat Deely (Lorrha, Diocese of Killaloe) and Fr. Michael Kennedy (Lusmagh, Diocese of Clonfert) will be well known from their wonderful work in Emmanuel House of Providence, Clonfert, Fr. Francis Ferry (Frosses/Inver, Diocese of Raphoe, Co. Donegal) whose love for Our Lady Queen of Peace in Medjugorje and conversion story are well-known across the country.
Laity involved include Eddie and Lucy Stones from Emmanuel House of Providence, Clonfert, whose healing ministry has helped thousands over the years; Mary Wheatley (Kilkenny) and Emma Callanan-Spain (Ballinasloe /Clare), close friends of Fiona. And last but not least is Ballyhaunis man Mike Byrne, whose years on radio and stage bring a professional, polished and prayerful touch to the role of overall narrator.
Talented artist Gerry Flaherty from Navan generously painted an inspiring canvas for the front cover of the CD, which embodies the content beautifully. Sinead Mallee from Knock added her designer craft to the overall creation.
Retired primary school principal and guitarist Vinney Kelly (Bekan, Ballyhaunis) created the heavenly music accompaniment alongside the multi-talented Bart de Boer of Clew Bay Recording Studio in Westport. Their musical genius is evident throughout.
Added Fiona: "The CD is truly a precious pearl of hope and inspiration. With 19 people directly involved, from various counties and countries, such diversity gives the recording a real authentic, community feel.
"I invite all families, residential settings, all hospital wards, hospices to purchase one.
"Whether you are sick or in the prime of your health, this recording has been recorded for you! Listen to it in the car, in your living room or kitchen, at the bedside of a dying family member. Just turn it on and listen - pray or sing along, the choice is yours.
"Each person will experience this recording in a unique and special way - you must hear to believe.
"Never was there a more appropriate time in our history where we needed a spiritual awakening to see what is truly important in our lives. Rekindle your friendship with God and give this saving gift of love to all you know."
I Thirst can be purchased in Knock Shrine Bookshop; The Gem and SuperValu in Ballyhaunis; Smyth’s Newsagent, Claremorris; Castle Street Bookshop, Castlebar; Seamus Duffy’s Bookshop, Westport; Eason’s Bookshop, Ballina; Galway Cathedral Bookshop; Emmanuel House of Providence, Clonfert, and other local outlets. Profits go to charity.