Bernadette Institute Sacred Art

SACRED FOLK SONGS

It’s all about the poor. And about women and children in faraway lands who were being refused medical treatment because of their gender and customs. They were dying. But in 1914, a young, faith-filled Austrian, Anna Maria Dengel, couldn’t fathom what she had been reading about. The injustices. She heard a call, and joyfully responded by leaving her beloved family to travel to Ireland where she studied for five long years. It was during World War I, and thus, Anna was completely cut off from her family. Of course she was lonely. But her focus was on serving the worlds needy. After completing her studies and another year of internship in England, Anna, in 1920, was certified as a medical doctor. She was 28. After all the years she prepared for hospital work, she was finally able to travel to India where she began treating thousands in need. Being a practical woman, it didn’t take her long to realize that she, alone, couldn’t possibly serve the needs of all of these people. Through a great deal of prayer, Anna decided to establish a religious community of women who would serve the needy who had no access to health care. She felt that this could best be accomplished in the United States of America. So off she went. And for a full year, she did little more than write letters and accept speaking engagements which paid off in an enormous way: the Medical Mission Sisters were officially established in Washington, D.C. on September 30, 1925.

Mother Anna Dengel saw her young congregation flourish, and she was proud that her followers were the first Roman Catholic Sisters to work as physicians, surgeons and obstetricians. Mother instilled in her young nuns the importance of serving their patients with compassion. And in building, staffing and administering well equipped facilities wherever needed. As time went on, the sisters taught local people how to help themselves by initiating health education programs of every kind. The heritage which Mother Anna Dengel left her 700 Sisters is simple ... for it focuses on the inherent right of all people to live fully as human beings.

As the congregation grew and journeyed toward the 1960s, Mother Dengel and other Medical Mission Sister superiors realized that the upcoming Vatican Council would bring many liturgical changes. They asked one of their young members, Sister Miriam Therese, to give up her dream of becoming a doctor, in order to study liturgy and music. Sister Miriam Therese agreed, and became one of the first Catholic musicians to compose contemporary sacred folk songs for liturgical celebrations. Soon, her songs were being sung by her choir of fellow nuns for their own liturgies. And not long after this, eleven Medical Mission Sisters left their Philadelphia Motherhouse for a New York City recording Studio where they recorded 24 of their songs in seven hours. A remarkable feat.

It didn’t take long for the Medical Mission songs to fly high. The Sisters’ first album, JOY IS LIKE THE RAIN, turned heads and hearts - so much so - that the recording went Gold. Soon the nuns’ songs were being sung in churches, schools and home not only in our own country, but literally, around the world. In many languages.

During the next four decades, Sister Miriam Therese and her sisters continued to record their own albums - fifteen in all. But then, one day, years after the composer exchanged teaching music for teaching university courses in liturgy, worship, and women’s studies, St. Bernadette Institute of Sacred Art contacted her. Dan Paulos, the Institute’s Director, emailed Sister “MT” to ask if she’d permit the Institute to produce four albums of her songs, re-recorded by renowned singers. Yes, eighty songs! And though Sister was pleased to learn about the idea, she asked for some time to pray about it. Months later, she wrote to give her approval.

Paulos began writing to musicians across the country asking them to participate. The responses were overwhelming. And the ball began to roll. Many artists traveled to New Mexico to record at the Santa Fe Center Studios in Albuquerque. Others chose to record Sister’s songs in the comfort of their own studios. And before he knew it, more and more artists agreed to sing. The project leapt from sixty to more than one hundred songs on five CDs.

Though Paulos had an illustrious career in the field of sacred art throughout the 80s and into the 90s, and though he had been classically trained as a pianist and organist, he knew little about recording and editing music. He took on this challenge with great joy and speed. And though he honestly thought he could wind-up the entire project in two years - he was humbled at how much goes into producing an album of this quality. The first album took a year and a half to complete. But not once did he, Sister, the performers, or any of his “helpers,” lose heart. It was an exceptional experience for all concerned.

When asked about the most import aspects of this project, Paulos responded, “Oh, it depends on whom you ask! To me, was always sharing the music. For four decades I’ve wanted more and more people to hear Sister’s songs. And this venture was and simply is a good and easy way to accomplish this desire. If you asked our Board of Directors, the fact that we are raising all funds to pay for the costs of producing these songs - this would probably be their response. Because of this, every penny from sales go directly to the Medical Mission Sisters to assist in serving the world’s needy. And this is exactly what we all wanted. It our small way of

acknowledging the poor - and doing our small part to assist them. If you asked the nuns, I believe that they would agree that raising these funds will best support their works. But deep down, I think that most of the Sisters are also very proud that their songs are being resurrected in such a unique way. Artists from many different faith traditions have participated, and this, truly, has been one of the most beautiful aspects of the project. We all worked very closely with each other, and the respect that we hold for each other is, to me, a miracle. We didn’t have a single misunderstanding. Everyone was focused on helping the needy. It is beautiful.”

The first album, LOVING YOU, features 21 songs, including several new songs recorded by some of the same Sisters who originally recorded JOY IS LIKE THE RAIN sixty years ago, are available directly through the Sisters: Medical Mission Sisters, 8400 Pine Road, Philadelphia PA, 19111. Some of the noted singers who performed on this CD are: Irish tenor - John McDermott; Broadway performers - Melba Moore and Patti Cohenour; Protestant gospel singers - Cynthia Clawson and Stephen Hill; Catholic singers - Annie Karto, Seraphim, Bob Rowe, Kate Haggerty Varley, and Folk singers - Janis Ian, Elisabeth von Trapp, The Limelighters - to name just a few. 14 CDs from the Medical Mission Sisters are available at: medicalmissionsisters.org (215) 742-6100. LOVING YOU; BREATH OF THE SPIRIT; A NEW DAY DAWNS; MASS OF A PILGRIM PEOPLE (recorded live at Carnegie Hall); MACK BAILEY SINGS THE SONGS OF MIRIAM THERESE WINTER; JOY IS LIKE THE RAIN; I KNOW THE SECRET; KNOCK, KNOCK; SEASONS; IN LOVE; GOLD, INCENSE AND MYRRH; SANDSTONE; REMEMBER ME

Medical Mission Sisters

Joy is like the Rain Cover

A collection of original gospel songs composed by Miriam Therese Winter, M.M.S., and sung by her small but exceptional choir of nuns. This, the sisters’ first album, was recorded in 1965 at RKO Sound Studios in New York City with an assembly of eleven nuns: Sisters Jane Blewett, Nancy Doherty, Donna Harris, Jessica Jablonicky (guitarist), Helene Kendrick, Linda Lallo, Joanne Marinko, Rachel Poirot, Mary Carol Town, Loretta Whalen, and Miriam Therese Winter. This CD features twelve songs: Joy is Like the Rain; Zaccheus; Speak to Me, Wind; Come Down, Lord; Spirit of God; It’s a Long Road to Freedom; Howl, My Soul; Pilgrim Song; How I Have Longed; Ten Lepers; God Gives His People Strength; Wedding Banquet
©Copyright 1965 Medical Mission Sisters
Order directly through the Medical Mission Sisters
http://www.medicalmissionsisters.org

Medical Mission Sisters

I Know the Secret

The second album recorded at RKO Studios in New York City in 1965 for Avant Garde Records. In a single session, the sisters recorded twenty-four songs, which became their first two vinyl albums. Choir: Sisters Jane Blewett, Nancy Doherty, Donna Harris, Jessica Jablonicky (guitarist), Helene Kendrick, Linda Lallo, Joanne Marinko, Rachel Poirot, Mary Carol Town, Loretta Whalen, and Miriam Therese Winter.
Featured on the CD: He Bought the Whole Field; I Know the Secret; Yet I Believe; Don’t Worry; Ballad of the Prodigal Son; God Loves a Cheerful Giver; Come, Lord Jesus; Peter; A Virgin; Easter Song; Christ is My Rock; Come to the Springs.

Medical Mission Sisters

Knock Knock

Originally produced by Avant Garde Records, Inc., in 1968, was the third vinyl album recorded by the Medical Mission Sisters of Philadelphia, PA. Their award-winning collection, Joy is Like the Rain, opened many doors ecumenically and cross-culturally in educational,spiritual, and recreational settings all around the world. Knock, Knock, introduced a new sound. Electronic guitars and the pulsating beat of professional musicians in New York City’s Tin Pan Alley pulled the sacred songs of those “singing nuns” deeper into the heart of the modern world. This is a collection of songs that care: about love, change...rejection...fidelity; songs that seek to open doors - even those we are afraid toopen. They put us on both sides of the door. Although all of Miriam Therese’s songs can be linked to Scripture, Knock, Knock, introduces songs that are more oriented toward life experiences. This is evident in Song for the Sun, The Visit, Song of Loveliness, and Night. To those who suffer hunger, illness, danger, despair, these songs sing of hope and healing. To those seeking the Divine Presence, the Holy Spirit says, “Come on in.” Many thanks to all who will purchase this album. It helps to support the ministries of the Medical Mission Sisters worldwide.
Dan Paulos, Producer,2023
Featured on this CD: Knock, Knock; Song for the Sun; Three Tents; Christ is King; Father, Thy Will be Done; Changin’; Song of Loveliness; The Sower; The Visit; John; Night; I Built a Garden; Seek First the Kingdom
Available at: www.medicalmissionsisters.org

Medical Mission Sisters

Seasons

The Medical Mission Sisters’ “sound” is like no other choir. Their untrained voices blend perfectly every time they sing together. The singing sisters seldom appear on more than one CD because of their missionary work in hospitals on six continents. Yet their always-changing choir maintains that “sound” so loved by fans: celestial!
Featured on this album: Lift Up Your Heart; Let There Be Peace; Help My Unbelief; Ballad of the Seasons; Who Is My Neighbor; A Long Night; Praise God; If You Look; Runnin’; How High the Sky; Spirit of the Lord; Shout the Good News

Available from: www.medicalmissionsisters.org
(215) 742-6100

Medical Mission Sisters

In Love

Songs by Miriam Therese Winter, M.M.S,
Songs Sung by the Medical Mission.
Featured on this CD: Don't be Afraid; Children of the Lord; Ballad of the Women; Beatitudes; Dying Just the Same; Love Your Brother; Seven Times; Loved by the Lord; Hear My Call; So Full of Song; God Speaks; Thank You for Today.

Available from: www.medicalmissionsisters.org

Medical Mission Sisters

GOLD, INCENSE, and MYRRH

Contemporary Christmas Carols by Miriam Therese Winter
Sung by a group of Medical Mission Sisters and Friends.
Featured on this CD: Song of Glory; Wonderful; Christmas Ballad; Sing of Birth; In the Beginning; Silent the Night; Take Courage; No Longer Alone;
Peace upon Earth; O What A Happening; He Comes.

Available from: www.medicalmissionsisters.org

Medical Mission Sisters

Mass of a Pilgrim People

Three Folk Masses by Miriam Therese Winter, MMS

Mass of a Pilgrim People
Performed live at Carnegie Hall in 1967 Lord, Have Mercy; Glory to God; Creed; Holy, Holy, Holy; Our Father; Lamb of God

RSVP (Music for Militants)
Lord, Have Mercy On Your People; Who Am I To Sing Of Glory; Lord, I Really Do Believe; Holy, Holy, Holy; Yes; God Our Father; Peace To You, World;

SONGS OF PROMISE
Lord, Have Mercy; Glory To God; Alleluia!; Yes, I Believe; Holy! Holy!; Acclamation; Amen; The Lord's Prayer; Peace Be With You

Medical Mission Sisters

Hymns Re-Imagined

21 Traditional Hymns Re-Imagined
By Miriam Therese Winter, MMS.

Featured Hymns: Blessed Be God; We Are Gathered; All Praise And Thanks; Come, Sophia; Thanks-Giving Days; Lift Us Out of the Depths; A Glad Song; O For a World; How Beautiful; Pax Christi; Hymn to Love; Thanks Be to God; Pilgrims; God of My Childhood; O Sons and Daughters; We Praise You God; Sing a Song of Jubilation; Bearer of Light; All Creatures Sing; We Thank You, God; The Church's
Firm Foundation.

Available from: www.medicalmissionsisters.org

Medical Mission Sisters

KEEP SAKE

By Miriam Therese Winter, MMS
sung by Medical Mission Sisters

Featured songs: Don't Be Afraid; Gather Here; Long Road to Freedom; In a Whirlwind; Come, Christ Jesus; Lovesong; Christmas Ballad; Spirit of God; Sing Alleluia; Joy is Like the Rain; Ballad of the Women; God, Give Your People Strength; Lament; Light a Candle; Peace Prayer; Be Reconciled.

Available from: www.medicalmissionsisters.org

Medical Mission Sisters

Remember Me

Songs by Miriam Therese Winter, MMS

Featured songs: Rejoice Now; This Is the Night; Peace-Making Man; Heavenly Father; All the Days; Love song; Come; What Do You Ask of Me Song of Praise; Glory Be; Song of Peace; Fill My Emptiness; Seek Me.

Available from: www.medicalmissionsisters.org

(215) 742-6100

Medical Mission Sisters

Sandstone CD

Songs by Miriam Therese Winter, MMS
sung by Medical Mission Sisters

Featured songs: Be Reconciled; Day of Justice; Happy the People;
How Lovely; How Shall I Sing; Jerusalem; Living Water; Loving You;
Peace like a River; Song of Liberation; Song of Songs; Sun, Sand, and Silence
Available from: www.medicalmissionsisters.org

Medical Mission Sisters

WOMANSONG

is a groundbreaking 1987 album and liturgical music collection by the Medical Mission Sisters and Sister Miriam Therese Winter. Created as both a musical collection and a book, it explores faith, spirituality, and scripture through an inclusive theological lens. The project features 24 reflective and celebratory tracks.
Track list: You Are the Song; Mother and God; Hear God’s Word; You Shall Be My Witness; Take the Time; Circle of Love; One By One; Mother Earth; Women; Come, Spirit; Sing of A Blessing; We Are the Church; Coming Around Again; Breath of God; Thank You, God; Mystery; Living Water; We Are the Word; A New Day Dawns; You, God, Are My Firmament; The Visit; Magnificat; Shaddai; Blessing Song

Available from: www.medicalmissionsisters.org

Medical Mission Sisters

Spirit Song

Track list: Spirit song; All God's Creation; Blessed be the Living God; My Heart is Overflowing; Angels; Gifts; What Does Your Word Require; Do This; Architect of All Creation; Heaven and Earth; Heal Our Hearts; Christ My Joy; Dream a World; Let Us Sing Noel; This is the Night; Let your Light Shine; I Sing of Praise; She Who Is (1); She Who Is (2); Rock-a My Soul; Wind of the Spirit.

Available from: www.medicalmissionsisters.org

Medical Mission Sisters

LOVING YOU

FOUR albums that the Institute produced:
Sacred Folk Songs by Miriam Therese Winter, MMS — Volume One.
A Celebration of All Creation by Performing Artists from Many Traditions, produced by Saint Bernadette Institute of Sacred Art.

Joy is Like the Rain (Medical Mission Sisters); The Visit (Patti Cohenour); Come, Lord Jesus (John McDermott); Holy, Holy, Holy (Melba Moore); Christmas Ballad (Mack Bailey); Song of Glory (Jawstix Dodson); Child of Morning (Kate Haggerty Varley); We Are the Word (Seraphim); Love Each Other (Steven Hill); Hoodie (Medical Mission Sisters); Speak to Me, Wind (Charlie Zahm); How I Have Longed (Cynthia Clawson); Take the Time (Robert Edwin); Spirit of God, Feed Me (Evelyn Harris); Long Road to Freedom (Bob Rowe); Gather Here (Annie Karto); Song for the Sun (Elisabeth von Trapp); I Am the One (Janis Ian); Healing Waters (Medical Mission Sisters); Loving You (Mack Bailey); Web of Life (The Limeliters with the Medical Mission Sisters)

Available from: www.medicalmissionsisters.org
(215) 742-6100

Medical Mission Sisters

BREATH OF THE SPIRIT

Sacred Folk Songs by Miriam Therese Winter, MMS
Volume Two
A Celebration of All Creation by Performing Artists from Many Traditions

Spirit Song (Mack Bailey); Come Down, Lord (Melba Moore); Mystery (Patti Cohenour); Christ Is My Rock (Cynthia Clawson and Stephen Hill); Angels (Mack Bailey); Spirit of the Lord (Charlie Zahm); Beatitudes (Medical Mission Sisters); Peace-Making Man (Joe Simmons); How Shall I Sing (Elisabeth von Trapp); Lament (Miriam Therese Winter and Mack Bailey); Mother and God (Janis Ian); Thy Will Be Done (Kevin Monds); Ballad of the Prodigal Son (Robert Edwin); Wedding Banquet (The Limeliters); Let There Be Peace (Buddy Comfort); If You Look (Mack Bailey); Wind, Trees, Flowers (Femina Melodia); Once Upon a Morning Star (Monks of Weston Priory); All God's Children (Melba Moore); Song of Peace (Cynthia Clawson); Spirit of God (Quantum Women's Choir with the DE Profundis Men's Choir).

Available from: www.medicalmissionsisters.org

Medical Mission Sisters

A NEW DAY DAWNS

Sacred Folk Songs by Miriam Therese Winter, MMS
Volume Three

One by One (Melba Moore); A New Day Dawns (Medical Mission Sisters); She Who Is (Medical Mission Sisters); Architect of All Creation (Janis Ian); I Believe (Seraphim); Heaven and Earth (Saida Fikri); Heal Our Hearts (Miriam Therese Winter); In a Whirlwind (Evelyn Harris); John (Annie Karto and Mack Bailey); Love song (Patti Cohenour); Into the Future (David Strickland); Zaccheus (The Limelighters); Sun, Sand, and Silence (Elisabeth von Trapp); Women (Miriam Therese Winter and Helene Kendrick Fedewa); Children (Robert Edwin); Ballad of the Seasons (Medical Mission Sisters); We are One (Miriam Therese Winter); Coming Around Again (Medical Mission Sisters); How Beautiful (Medical Mission Sisters); Peace Prayer (Mack Bailey).

Available from: www.medicalmissionsisters.org
(215) 742-6100

Medical Mission Sisters

MACK BAILEY SINGS THE SONGS OF MIRIAM THERESE WINTER

Sacred Folk Songs by Miriam Therese Winter, MMS
Volume Four
A Celebration of All Creation by Performing Artists from Many Traditions

Loving You; Don't Worry; If You Look; Peace Prayer; Come, Spirit; Lament (Duet with Miriam Therese Winter); Night; Seek First the Kingdom; Angels; Christmas
Ballad; God Loves A Cheerful Giver; Zaccheus (with The Limelighters); Wedding Banquet (with the Limelighters); Web of Life with The Limelighters and the Medical
Mission Sisters

THE SINGING NUNS OF CARNEGIE HALL

MASS OF A PILGRIM PEOPLE

At seventeen, I entered the Brothers of the Good Shepherd in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Knowing of my musical background, the Irish founder, Brother Mathias Barrett, handed me a vinyl record called Praise the Lord in Many Voices—a set of three ecumenical concerts recorded live at Carnegie Hall in New York City by Avant Garde Records, Inc. I was fully aware of the music of the Medical Mission Sisters from their first two albums: Joy Is Like the Rain and I Know the Secret. In fact, we had been singing their gospel-folk songs at St. Boniface School in Sioux City ever since their recordings had been released. So, when Brother offered me the album to review, I leaped over the moon. I knew what to expect. The choir of nuns had established a truly unique, original sound, but what I was about to witness tore open my soul.

Brother informed me I'd find a small phonograph in the refectory. I opened the suitcase-style record player and immediately began listening to the newly composed Mass of a Pilgrim People. It was written by Sister Miriam Therese Winter, a Medical Mission Sister, and sung by her small choir of nuns and a group of Paulist seminarian folksingers. The Lord, Have Mercy was, as expected, a bit somber, just as it should be. But then, as shocking as an unexpected roll of thunder, the singers burst into an electrifying Glory to God in the Highest! It was a rhythm not yet introduced in the "modern" Church. And the audience on the recording went wild—as did I. I kept saying, "Oh, my God! Oh, my God!" I simply couldn't believe it.

Nor could I move on to the Creed. I was simply too elated to spend as much time as I could with this spiritually energized sound. After listening to the Gloria umpteen times, Brother Mathias came down to ask my opinion on the Mass. Obviously, he already knew what I was going to say. He'd heard the joyous song as many times as I had played it, and all I could come up with was, "She's a genius!" He grinned at the pleasure the recording was bringing, and I became edified not only by Miriam Therese's new Mass, but also by the fact that this elderly superior was open-minded enough to have purchased the series of Carnegie Hall performances.

—Dan Paulos