The presenter’s voice reflects the excitement that hangs over the hall: “The nominees for “2010 Praise & Worship Album of the Year”… The names are read, and the audience waits in quiet anticipation as the envelope is opened: “And the recipient is … ‘Beyond the Veil’ by Brian Flynn!”

Such fun at the Awards show! When we arrived and looked at the schedule for the gala evening of awards and performances, we found that Donna and I were to be the presenters for the first award. Instant stress! I’ve always hated being first (icebreaking just isn’t my strong suit) — plus Brian was one of the finalists for that award, so that really didn’t help the state of our nerves. But after Donna had announced the nominees and I opened the envelope, I sure enjoyed announcing the results:

“And the recipient for the ‘2010 Liturgical/Sacramental Song of the Year’ is … Brian Flynn for ‘Panis Vere.’”

And it got better. Brian’s CD “Beyond the Veil” not only went on to receive the cherished award for “2010 Praise and Worship Album of the Year,” but received a 3rd award as well: “2010 Devotional Song of the Year” for his song “You are a Priest Forever.”

Towards the end of the program, Brian returned to the stage, this time to perform. He began by playing a haunting introduction on tin whistle, and then, as the Celtic echoes lingered in the air, he put the whistle down and accompanied himself on the keyboard as he sang the now award-winning song, “You are a Priest Forever.”

And there was some “icing on the cake,” too, as our 2-CD set, the “Mother of Mercy Scriptural Rosary, received the award for “2010 Spoken Word Recording of the Year.” Alleluia!

But beyond the presentations, awards, and performances, there was something far more significant, emphasizing the reason these are called “Unity Awards.” We were part of an international gathering of Catholic recording artists, producers, and designers representing every music and video genre from classical to rap. There was such a feeling of camaraderie and of shared purpose. We weren’t there just to compete for honors and awards, but to meet and affirm and encourage each other, rejoicing together in the reality that no matter how diverse we were, no matter how different our styles of music, we were all dedicated Catholic artists responding to a single call: to use our talents and gifts to give glory to God and help lead others closer to Him. This became most obvious at the end of the evening when, after a full day of rehearsals, a long evening program, and a gala celebration, we gathered in the quiet hush of a local church at 11:30 at night to celebrate Mass together and say, “Thank you, Lord. It’s all about You!”

You can check out the two award-winning CDs here!

[View with PicLens]

In addition to helping you keep your mind on the mysteries, each scripture passage also adds the power of God’s Word. As Pope John Paul II explains, when we use scripture to help us contemplate and “remember” with Mary the great mysteries of her Son, we are not merely “recalling information but allowing God to speak” (RVM, #30).

The Mother of Mercy Scriptural Rosary booklet can be used in two ways:

• As a companion to the 2-cd set by the same title
• As a stand-alone booklet for private or group recitation of the Rosary

4 x 6 Softcover 96 pages $6.95 each

BULK RATE!
Mother of Mercy Scriptural Rosary Booklet-10 copies

Mother of Mercy Scriptural Rosary and Booklet Combo
1 Copy each of the 2 CD set and Booklet

A perfect companion to 7 Secrets of the Eucharist, this chapter-by-chapter study guide is a great resource for individual use, discussion groups, CCD classes, or RCIA formation. You’ll learn how to personalize each “secret,” gain fresh insights into its relevance to your daily life, and find new ways to respond to Christ’s Eucharistic presence. Each chapter offers:

• thought-provoking ideas for personal reflection
• down-to-earth questions for discussion or journaling
• meaningful challenges for daily life
• additional readings from Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the Diary of St. Faustina
• the author’s own personal insights, which will invite and inspire you to make a similar
• personal response to the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus

About the Author
Mary Flynn is currently in her junior year at Franciscan University of Steubenville, pursuing a major in theology. A talented writer and musician, she has long been involved in music and youth ministry and is an active member of the MercySong parish mission team.

6 x 9 Softcover, 88 pages
Price: $6.95

BULK ORDERS: 10 Copies
Save 20%
Price: $55.50

Combo Offer: Book and Study Guide
Price: $13.50

Beyond the Veil is Catholic singer/songwriter, Brian Flynn’s, newest solo album. This latest recording features authentic Catholic Music that teaches and inspires its listeners. It includes eleven original tracks that Brian wrote with the hope of bringing a deeper understanding of Catholic Theology to the modern music scene. Beyond the Veil features worship songs such as “Lift High the Cross” and the title track “Beyond the Veil”. It also includes anointed Eucharistic songs like “Panis Vere” and “I Believe”. In this special year designated to the priesthood, “You Are a Priest Forever” is an inspiring song dedicated to building up the priesthood and encouraging seminarians. The album also includes a dynamic pro-life song, entitled “American Anthem for Life”, which weaves patriotic themes with our Judeo-Christian roots on which this country was founded.

Listen!

Brian Flynn states, “I listen to a lot of great praise and worship music by many Christian artists regularly. However, I wanted to write songs for my album that are specifically Catholic, that inspire other Catholics to embrace the truths of our rich Catholic heritage, especially in regards to the Eucharist. The album and the title track, “Beyond the Veil”, come from the Catholic Theology that, as Catholics, we worship “Beyond the Veil” every time we are at Mass or in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. In the Old Covenant only the High Priest could go into the holy of holies one day a year, on the feast of Yom Kippur. In the New Covenant, every time we are at Mass we are partaking in the heavenly liturgy that is taking place around the clock throughout the world as described in the Book of Revelation. I wrote this song specifically because there are a lot of great Christian Praise and Worship songs that quote some of these same lines from the Book of Revelation, but they leave out the feast part of the equation, which we Catholics believe is the Mass,” states Brian Flynn.

“The Eucharistic songs “Panis Vere” and “I Believe” both stem from my desire to express our Catholic belief in the true presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. There are a lot of songs out there that speak of signs and symbols but not enough that speak of the actual true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. I wrote “Panis Vere”, which is Latin for true bread, using the words of St. Thomas Aquinas and Psalm 116. St. Thomas was one of the most prolific writers of Eucharistic prayers and hymns. I wanted to try to take that Theology and make it relevant to a new audience who may otherwise never hear it. “I Believe” is taken from the institution narratives in the Gospels as well as the Bread of Life discourse in John’s Gospel. I wanted to weave some of these key apologetic texts into my songs in order to defend the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.”

Flynn continues, “Lift High The Cross was a song that I wrote after singing at a conference on the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. I wanted to write a song that roused a spirit of victory in the cross. I found an ancient Catholic hymn entitled, “Ah the Holy Cross” and melded some of the lyrics with the teachings of Pope St. Leo XIII regarding the cross and included my own lyrics for the refrain.

These songs, along with the rest of the tracks, are all sure to lead you closer to our Lord and inspire a sense of pride in our Catholic faith. From uplifting praise and worship to peaceful meditative songs, Beyond the Veil will be a refreshing addition to your music collection.

But on another level, the letter is also a powerful witness to God’s love and to the often hidden ways He orchestrates events in our lives. I pray it will be a reminder to you of how personally God wants to be involved with each of us and how powerfully He can work in our lives when we remain aware of His presence with expectant trust in His mercy.

Here’s the letter.  May it bless you!

Vinny Flynn

Vinny,

I sincerely hope this email finds its way to you. I was a passenger on flight 1549 and my name is Fred Berretta. You might have caught a glimpse of me or heard me on CNN or Fox the night of the crash. I interviewed with Lou Dobbs, Wolf Blitzer and Bill O’Reilly and discussed the crash that night.

I had been on a one day business trip to NY and sat in seat 16A just behind the left engine. My trip was a last minute decision the day before. I finished my meetings early on Thursday and realized I had time to attend the 12 noon mass at St. Patrick Cathedral. It was unusual for me to have the extra time, but that day I did. After Mass, I stopped by the gift shop just across from the cathedral and purchased your book, 7 Secrets of the Eucharist. As I waited to board flight 1549 bound for Charlotte, where I live, I began reading your book. I continued reading while we taxied until just after take off.

I think I got through about half of it and then decided to close my eyes and reflect on the incredible insights your book gave me regarding the Eucharist. We were climbing out and just a minute or so into the flight I heard the impact of the bird strikes and then the explosion in the left engine. I could see it on fire and the cabin began to smell like jet fuel. As a private pilot, once I realized the second engine was also not  unctioning, things became quite tense.

While I had known about and prayed the Divine Mercy chaplet years before, I had not really focused on it in quite a long time. Ironically, I had prayed the chaplet the day before at 3 pm. I had forgotten that in my briefcase I had long kept a copy of a booklet of the Divine Mercy chaplet which had exerpts from St. Faustina’s diary. When I arrived in NY, I had some time at my hotel and decided to clean out my briefcase,  something long overdue. I found the Divine Mercy booklet, prayed the chaplet, and read some of the words of Jesus to Faustina.

Before we hit the water, I thought about the words Jesus said, that nothing would be refused if asked for during the hour of mercy. I really thought there was a good chance myself and others would die that day, but I asked God to be merciful to us, I prayed the Lord’ prayer and a Hail Mary. I then prayed to St. Michael, and we impacted the water. The odds were not with us that day, but God clearly was. I believe it is the only jet airliner to successfully ditch in the water without fatalities in the history of aviation.

I just want you to know that your book gave me comfort as we were going down, and for that I am grateful. I know a lot of people prayed on that plane, and I believe the Miracle on the Hudson was a testament to the mercy of God, and a sign of hope.

Take care and may God continue to bless your ministry and all you do to spread the message of Divine Mercy and the wonders of Holy Communion.

Best regards,

Fred Berretta

via videosift.com

Like the popular Gospel Rosary of Pope John Paul II (4-CD set), and The Complete Still Waters Rosary (single CD), this new 2-CD set from Vinny Flynn & Still Waters features dramatic readings from scripture, but instead of a single long or short reading before each decade, there is a brief reading before each Hail Mary to help you stay focused on each mystery. All new instrumental background music, composed and arranged by Harry King and Erin Flynn, adds to the inspirational power and beauty of the readings and prayers. each of the 20 mysteries on a separate track. Each set of mysteries takes about 22-23 minutes. 2-CD set in folding cardboard wallet case, $17.99.  Buy Now!

Listen to a Sample Here.