Annie Karto holds a photo of her son, Pete, and granddaughter, Lindsey, with an inset photo of Lindsey just after one of several surgeries.

By Staff (Apr 9, 2012)

He was not supposed to be on the CD project. Music missionary Annie Karto was praying for a Marian priest to lead the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and selected Diary of St. Faustina quotes for her latest project, “Divine Mercy Flood My Soul.”

The Marian priest Fr. Leszek Czelusniak’s name was mentioned, and Divine Providence made it happen.

“St. Faustina was Polish, so I thought Fr. Leszek would be the perfect fit,” Karto stated.

As it turned out, Fr. Leszek was visiting Treasure Island, Fla., Annie’s hometown, for a local Divine Mercy conference. She called him in the morning, and he recorded his portion of the CD in two hours time that afternoon.

Divine Mercy has been the focus of Annie’s music ministry for the past 23 years. It all started with a deep reversion back to the Catholic faith through an experience of God’s Mercy in a small chapel in the Ozark mountains. From this experience, Annie received the song “Divine Mercy Flood My Soul” and has shared this song and the message of God’s mercy wherever she is invited.

The new CD highlights both a spoken and sung version of the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

The latter, written by Fr. Philip Pavich, OFM, includes beautiful stringed instruments, and sets a very reverent tone for worship. Dave and Joan Maroney of Mother of Mercy Messengers use this particular chaplet before their presentations. Dave says this is one of the most beautiful and reverent chaplets he has heard.

With an invitation from Rwandan genocide survivor Immaculee Ilibagiza, Karto was able to visit Fr. Leszek and the retreat center he and the Marians built in Kibeho, Rwanda, this past summer. Kibeho is the site of the approved apparition of Our Lady of Kibeho. Father Leszek has been serving as a missionary in Rwanda for more than 20 years.

Moved by the children in Kibeho and the ongoing work of the Marians, Karto decided to donate a portion of each CD sale for the work of the Marians in Kibeho.

To listen to samples of the CD “Divine Mercy Flood My Soul,” visit anniekarto.com/annies-store.

To find out more about the Marians’ work in Kibeho, and how to contribute, visit marian.org/give/rwanda.php or kibeho.org, or email Ellen Miller at the Association of Marian Helpers, at [email protected].