John Newton and "Amazing Grace"

A Reflection on Today's Reading

 In our parish bulletin,

 the Reflection on today's scripture reading

refers to John Newton who wrote "Amazing Grace."

I found this so like the scripture verse

in Matthew 8:26 when the apostles' fear

became so great that they woke Jesus 

that I had to share it with my readers. 

Newton had been a slave trader and a drunk 

when a violent storm threatened to sink his ship 

with all those aboard.  

For the first time in his life, he prayed.

He was saved as were those on his ship. 

After that episode, he quit the slave trade

and spent the remainder of his life repenting, 

writing hymns, 

and eventually becoming a minister.

Remember this tale which sums up the grace 

given Newton by God whenever singing or hearing this hymn.

More details of his life can be found here and here.

Mornings with Mary: Neighbors

 

The image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is from

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Perpetual_Help

Our Lady of Perpetual Help,
lending hope to orphans
through the faith and work
of Father Andre
and countless others.

On Sunday afternoon at St. Mary's parish hall
was a reception for Father Andre.  Many
parishioners attended it to listen
to a presentation by Father and
Tony Costello, a local parishioner
and architect/professor at Ball State University.
The person who organized the whole thing
is  a lady who gives her all
to her family,parish, community
and our neighbors in Haiti.
Becky has organized
many different fund raisers
for Father Andre's orphanage in Haiti.
Her latest fund raiser is a series
of rummage sales
with all the proceeds
going to the orphanage.

Behind Father are drawings for a village
setting for residences for the orphans.
Orphanages in the past were
cold, sterile institutions.
Father and Tony want the children
to live in a home atmosphere.
In addition, there are plans
for a clinic and a school.
In the works is a website
to make donating to the orphanage
more accessible.  I will pray
that it will be completed soon.

Mr. Tony Costello
explains about the future  buildings in Haiti.

Please visit Mornings with Mary
at Rebecca's Recuerda Mi Corazon.

Quotography: Birthday

"God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us 

to give ourselves the gift of living well."

~Voltaire~

Voltaire was the nom de plume (pen name) 

of Francois-Marie Arouet.

More details about him

can be found here.

more birthday quotes at Quotography