<\/p>\n
(Submitted by Michael Miller)<\/p>\n
Dear friend of the Smooth Stone Foundation,<\/p>\n
I wanted to make you aware of an exciting new project we are working on.<\/p>\n
We will be recording a special CD of beautiful, traditional choir music to commemorate the 100th<\/sup> anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima and the Miracle of the Sun!<\/p>\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I Heard a Voice from Heaven\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d will be a recording of several pieces from the Catholic tradition of Portugal, where the Blessed Virgin appeared in Fatima. The pieces will be selected and conducted by Dr. Tim McDonnell and sung by professional choir singers.<\/p>\n Beginning in May of 1917 and for several months following, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in the Portuguese countryside, enjoining them to prayer and sacrifice for a world in turmoil.\u00c2\u00a0 This culminated with the final apparition and the Miracle of the Sun on October 13, 1917.\u00c2\u00a0 Since that time, the message of F\u00c3\u00a1tima has encouraged countless faithful to pursue holiness in their lives, families, and professions.<\/p>\n Portugal has been a bulwark of Catholic culture for centuries, and the country\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s unique contribution to Catholic sacred music is impressive.\u00c2\u00a0 Our hope is that the numinous and hallowed sounds of choral masterpieces from the Land of F\u00c3\u00a1tima will inspire the prayerful recollection of Our Lady\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s message of prayer and hope in a world still beset by confusion, strife, and conflict.<\/p>\n We hope to have the music recorded and produced by May of this year.<\/p>\n This is a unique opportunity to express our gratitude and to honor Our Lady of Fatima for her intercession and motherly concern on our behalf! Please help us make this project a success!<\/p>\n To pledge or donate to this project, please contact:<\/p>\n Joseph Burke, Executive Director<\/p>\n Phone: 239-272-8395<\/a><\/p>\n