Requiem of the Innocents

I'd like to tell you about a gentle soul named Louis Canter, and the music he wants to share in order to spread a message of life, loss, and hope.

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (Catholic Online) - There is nothing in the world so much like prayer as music is. (William P. Merrill)

Like many of you, I am a music lover. My brain understands English and my mouth speaks English, but my heart and soul speak music. Like a laser beam through the fog of burdens and callousness, music cuts straight to my deepest part and gives life and expression to all that I cannot put into words. It's as though it introduces me to myself over and over again, reminding me how to feel.

Music helps me to worship better than anything else. It elevates my soul and carries my sorrows as easily as my joys to the threshold of heaven's door. It is undoubtedly one of the greatest gifts God gave us on this earth. Music is a very powerful tool as well, especially when it's used to convey a message of truth and life, loss and grief, forgiveness and hope.

I'd like to tell you about a gentle soul named Louis Canter, and the music he wants to share in order to spread a message of life, loss, and hope. He needs your help.

Canter has written an orchestral and choral composition called "Requiem of the Innocents" in memory and honor of those killed and wounded by abortion. In describing the piece he says,

"The music and text take the listener on a journey from pain and anguish to hope, healing and reconciliation. Its orchestration and overall tone are full of emotion and powerful inspiration."

Canter says his work was inspired by a piece named "War Requiem" written by composer Benjamin Britten in 1961. Britten's composition mourns the dead of Europe following World War II.

Like Britten's music, Canter says "Requiem for the Innocents" cites scripture -- beginning with Rachael mourning her children -- and illustrates the pain caused by the tragedy of abortion.

Music, Canter says, can be a powerful medium in presenting the emotions behind the slaughter of the innocents. And, ultimately, "Requiem for the Innocents" focuses the listener on God's promise of love and mercy. "Even though we are aware of the ever-present issue of abortion in our world, we should also be aware of the divine love of our creator and savior," Canter says. "In the end, we are accountable for every gift of human life that God creates. God alone is our source of life and hope."

What a lasting blessing this piece could be to the Pro-Life community, and a powerful means of reaching indifferent hearts! Canter wants to have the Requiem professionally recorded, and he needs help to make that happen. I am hoping that one - or more--of you will be a four-drachma coin, able to meet this specific need perfectly.

The sheet music is ready, and Canter has musicians willing to play when he says it's time, but first he must have the funds. He needs about $6,000 dollars to pay for the recording of the Requiem. He is asking for our help in spreading the word about his music and hopefully connecting him with people who can help.

If you can help Mr. Canter, please leave a comment below so we can put you in touch with him directly.

If you believe in the dignity of every human life from the moment of conception, if you want to see an end to abortion in our country, if you are a lover of beautiful music and you have to means to help this talented, devoted man, I hope you will prayerfully consider meeting this need, and help Louis Canter use the gift of music in the cause of LIFE.

Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent. ~Victor Hugo

For more information visit: "Requiem of the Innocents".

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Jennifer Hartline is a Catholic Army wife and stay-at-home mother of three precious kids who writes frequently on topics of Catholic faith and daily living. She is a contributing writer for Catholic Online.

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