Everyday Angels: Hymns in the Breeze

Hi. I’m Colleen Hughes, editor in chief of Angels on Earth, with a true story of an everyday angel from Maria Brodeur in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Angels come to us every day, as a neighbor, an unexpected rescuer, a kind stranger, or a loyal pet. Listen now to a story of just such an everyday angel. 

Maria’s church offered a healing mass every year for ill parishioners. And she was pleased when the ministry’s director asked her to sing at the service. Although she was a little unsure of her voice, she knew there would be other singers. So she accepted the invitation. 

However, when she arrived for the mass, the director said, it’s just you and me today. Maria crumpled inside. She flipped open the music book to the chosen hymn, “Blessed Be the Lord.” and realized that she’d never seen it before. She felt hot, couldn’t concentrate. 

Then, a refreshing breeze blew over her. Was there a window open somewhere? The pages in her music book ruffled back and forth, as if gentle fingers leafed through them. Now, her hymn book was turned to “Be Not Afraid.” Now, she could sing joyously and with purpose. The music would bring comfort to her fellow parishioners and certainly to her.