'Time for Mercy': Reflective, Prayerful & Inspirational CD of Mercy Music Launched

Editor: On Saturday 6 May, 'Time for Mercy' the long awaited second CD by Teresa Martin rsm (The Congregation/Northern Province) was launched in the Banqueting Centre, The Mall, Newry, Northern Ireland, in the presence of a large and appreciative crowd, including family, friends, former colleagues, Sisters, Circle of Mercy members, neighbours, and the singers and instrumentalists who appear on the album.

Image taken by Sr Teresa at the source of the Jordan River
Time for Mercy launched in 2017	List of Tracks

Sr Teresa's first CD Cothú aghus Iomlánú (Nurture and wholeness) published in 2010, with its original compositions drawn from sayings of Catherine McAuley and from Scripture texts dear to Catherine, was very well received.

Cothú aghus Iomlánú produced in 2010

The possibility of a second CD had first been been considered by Sr Teresa in 2014 when the idea of once more composing music on Mercy themes occurred to her, and she took time to reflect, pray and continue to write before putting together a proposal for consideration by the Province Leadership. The announcement of the Jubilee Year of Mercy and the release of Laudato Si' provided the necessary inspiration. 'Each text... reveals to us something of the extraordinary generosity and faithfulness of God's Mercy' writes Sr Teresa in the introduction in the CD booklet.

The result?

'Twelve tracks, simple melodies, instrumental accompaniments, refrains to invite participation and themes/texts from Scripture, prayers and words from Catherine McAuley, and traditional prayer.

Over all, trying to capture in the titles, the Invitation of Pope Francis in Year of Mercy 2016 and Laudato Si', creating a context for prayer through the medium of music and merciful service in our world.'

Enjoy this composition of the 'Magnificat'

The launch proceedings commenced with an address by Ann Brady rsm, Provincial Leader, Northern Province. Teresa Martin rsm spoke next. Following the formalities some of the instrumentalists and singers performed.  Mark Magee, sang 'Bring him Home', Pat Mathers on trumpet played 'Gabrielle's Oboe' while  Katie King played her harp.

A delicious afternoon tea followed.

Each table was set to a theme of one of the songs, with a card explaining flower symbol, and an invitation. To create interaction and be inclusive, someone from each table was invited to read the card then the song was played. 'I plan to develop this into a powerpoint so it can be used at a gathering,' said Sr Teresa

The CD costs €12.50, £10 sterling plus postage. Orders are being handled by Sr Teresa.

Copies are also available from Baggot Street Gift Shop. Contact Margaret Scroope rsm.

Messages to: Teresa Martin rsm