_Conversion of the celebrated Pianist, Hermann Cohenn._
The compassionate mercy of the Most Holy Virgin has at times been
admirably displayed in behalf of the Sons of Israel. To the name of
the Abbe Ratisbonne, so well known to the servants of Mary, we must
add that of another Jew, converted by the Mother of Divine Grace.
Hermann Cohenn, a German by birth, and a Jew in religion, had acquired
great fame in Paris as a pianist and composer of music. He says of
himself: 'I was courted and applauded in society, and as I possessed
understanding beyond my years, I soon had instilled into me all the
fearful doctrines that the powers of hell have taught in the earthly
hell of Paris. Atheism, pantheism, socialism, licentiousness of
manners, etc., all found a place in me, so that I had become one of
the most zealous propagandists, and therefore a great favourite of all
the new prophets of hell. . . . '
Whilst this second Saul was thinking out ingenious projects for the
perversion of innocent hearts, he was requested by the Prince of
Moscow to take the direction, during his absence, of a choir of
singers who were going to sing the praises of the Blessed Virgin Mary
at a church in Paris during the month of May of 1847. Although he was
a Jew, still he consented; and it was there, before the Altar of Mary,
that grace awaited him. Whilst he was rendering external honour to the
august Mother of God, she pleaded his cause before her Divine Son. His
moment of grace and benediction came at the very moment when he was
looking with scorn and derision upon the piety of the faithful. . .
Suddenly he feels an invisible weight upon his shoulders, which forces
him, in spite of the obstinate resistance of his will, to bow his head
and bend his knees; his mind is quickly illuminated by the light of
Faith, and he feels his heart opening to the salutary impressions of
grace. It would take too long to narrate the many obstacles which hell
opposed to his conversion, but at last he triumphed over all, and on
the Feast of St. Augustine, he was washed in the waters of Baptism,
with the most heart-felt emotion; and upon the Feast of the Nativity
of Mary, had the ineffable consolation of making his first Communion,
and of receiving the Scapular.
Some time afterwards, finding himself called to Religion, he retired
into a community of Marist Fathers, that he might there meditate
seriously on his vocation; and finally, by the counsel of his
Director, he chose to enter the austere Order of Carmel.
Having visited Rome and obtained the necessary dispensation, he was
afterwards ordained Priest, and consecrated himself entirely to the
glory and honour of Jesus and Mary.
He employed his great musical talent for the honour of the Queen of
Angels. In order that all Christian tongues might bless the mercy of
that Divine Mother, who had delivered him so wonderfully from the
darkness of error, he composed _a collection of hymns for the month of
May, and for the principal festivals of the year,_ set to music for
the organ or pianoforte.
The following extract from the dedication of these compositions will
show his tender devotion to the Blessed Virgin: 'Morning Star! you
appeared to me in the obscure night, in which I was lost! Health of
the sick, you cured the mortal wounds of my heart! Refuge of sinners,
you opened to me an asylum in your Immaculate Heart! . . .'
Glory then to Mary, and to the sweet and salutary devotion of the
month of May, which procured us a new brother in Christ, and a new
masterpiece of the grace of God and of the mercy of Mary!
_Prayer_ (from St. Augustine and St. Bernard).--Remember, O most
compassionate Virgin Mary! that it was never heard in any age that
anyone who implored your protection has been abandoned by you.
Animated by this confidence, I have recourse to you, O Mother of God,
Virgin of virgins. Do not despise my prayers, Mother of the Divine
Word, but graciously hear and answer me.
O Mother of God! you pray for all, and above all, for sinners; deign,
then, to pray for me, a more obstinate sinner than any other, and
therefore a more worthy object of your pity! You see plainly the
urgent need I have of your intercession; therefore interest yourself
in my regard, and obtain for me, from your Divine Son, the grace of
sincere conversion and holy perseverance. Amen.
_Ejaculation._--I place myself for the whole of my life under your
protection, O Mother of my God! O show that you are my true Mother!
_Practice._--Be very attentive in all your exercises of piety during
the day.