The importance of Mary when I share my joy as a Christian

Raymond Fau, born in 1936, is a French songwriter who has composed many church songs and performed concerts in more than 40 countries.

Here is what he said about his faith: "For me singing is above all a way of meeting people. I share with my audience the joy of my faith ... In this sharing of my joy, the Mother of Jesus has an essential place." Raymond Fau takes out a rosary from his pocket and continues: "You see, this goes everywhere with me. In the streets of cities, in the subway in Paris... with its special rhythm, the rosary transports me into a different universe. It’s too bad that Christians today don’t pray it more."

"My most beautiful memory? At the women’s jail of Rennes. Two years ago, my guitarist and I spent Christmas Eve there. The inmates had permission to talk with us. I also remember a visit I made there on August 15 (feast of the Assumption). The women sang the old hymn 'I will go to see Her one day' and you might smile at this, but I cried like a baby.

Raymond adds: "Singing is part of my life, but singing Christ-Love is terribly demanding. The Virgin Mary helps me do that."

Adapted from Albert MALARY in Messages and Messengers n.101, Collection of Marian Stories, 1976