Uplifting songs full of love and joy were the choice of Janet Vaughan as she appeared on a Radio Maria England programme.

Janet, the administrator of the Birmingham Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission, was the guest on a recent broadcast of ‘Songs in the Wilderness’.

The weekly programme (which has a break in August) features songs that have influenced guests throughout their life, and those which have influenced their faith too.

Janet, formerly a parishioner at St Elizabeth’s in Coventry and now attending All Souls in Coventry, chose four songs which took her back to her time in a Folk Group at St Elizabeth’s.

Song 1 was Walk in the Light – “I always feel very uplifted when I sing this.” Song 2 was Love has come Again - “I think this song captures the Easter Mystery in words that are meaningful and easy to understand.”

Janet chose How Great is Our God for her third choice. “This is such a good uplifting song. It really gives you a great boost. I will never leave you. Put your trust in me. What a wonderful sentiment.”

And finally Colours of the Day. “I have chosen what I think is another real uplifting song which talks about sending us out into the world to spread the gospel.”

Listen to the programme here

Radio Maria England

Janet (pictured) has been the Justice and Peace Commission administrator for six years.

The Commission works to raise awareness of Justice and Peace issues across the Archdiocese, support campaigns and promote environmental issues. It also provides Archbishop Bernard Longley with advice when required in matters regarding Justice and Peace.

Janet looks after the Commission’s website, Twitter/X account, prepares meeting agendas and takes notes.

She also helps to organise the Annual Retreat and the Assembly - planning for the latter, coming up on Saturday 28 October, is now underway - and is trained as a Laudato Si’ Animator.

Laudato Si’ Animators are members of the Laudato Si’ Movement, a global community of prayer and action, who animate their local parishes and communities to engage in ecological spirituality, sustainable lifestyles and advocacy for climate and ecological justice. Animators work to bring Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’ to life and care for our common home.

Discover Birmingham Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission