Hello Mr. Reneau,
I am writing because I recently rediscovered “Mass in Blues”. I was a child when it was first released, and like any other Belizean child from my time, it was music I could not avoid, even if (I am sorry to say) it did not resonate with me then.
I have never been Catholic, but I knew every lyric, beat, and movement on that album. (My parents had the LP). And so it was that as I was coming out of a time of prayer a few weeks ago, out of nowhere, I heard Jenny Lovell’s (RIP) voice in my head, “Help me accept what I cannot change.”
Recognition was instantaneous, but, Lord, where did that come from? I had not listened to Mass in Blues in decades. And yet, Jenny’s voice was as clear as day in my head, as if I had just listened to her yesterday.
What I did next opened a door in my soul that I could not have foreseen or imagined was even there, but I stepped right through it.
I opened Spotify and searched Mass in Blues, and there you were. I started listening and wept as I did. What a masterpiece that I had not previously recognized as such! I had heard it in my childhood and some Sunday mornings on the radio, but I had never before related to it in the way I was doing now. I listened to each song, reacquainting myself with the voices, that 1970’s sound, and the Mass.
Since then, I have listened to it every day, allowing the words to take root in me, and hopefully to one day bear fruit.
This has happened alongside a growing interest within me for contemplative prayer. Craving a deeper walk with God, and praying for it, I do not think it a coincidence that your album is going with me on this journey.
Mass In Blues has had such a profound impact on me recently that I am authoring a short article about it on my blog. It is timely for this, and any generation, and if my little bit sparks or rekindles some interest in this music that has moved me so much, I consider it the least I can do.
This album was ahead of its time, but right on schedule. It was ambitious but more than met whatever goals you had for it. Mass in Blues is a masterpiece and any revived attention to it is nothing less than it deserves. For who is there in this world currently, who does not need to cry out, “Lord, have mercy”?
If you have read up to this point, I have taken so much of your time. Thank you for reading and also for giving us this musical heritage that can never be taken from us.
For that is thing about art, music, literature, and poetry- we never know the impact and reach of it while we are creating; we only know the need to do so. It is only God who knows what He intends to do with it and how He wills to use it.
Thank you, Mr. Reneau. May God bless you richly.
Sincerely,
Debbie Mendoza
“So is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Isaiah55:11NIVUK
© Debbie Mendoza, March 2026
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