Composer
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Creative, prolific Czech author, and now dear friend, Jarmila Marie Skalná, penned her book Who Needs Dreams? (July, 2007) Skalná's chapter, The White Blossom in Burgundy, relays the story of the 2003 Prague premiere of King of Hearts/Srdcí Král. Dreams often come true for Delaney. Several years earlier, while on the set of What Dreams May Come?, Delaney became eligible for Screen Actors Guild and joined. Yet another dream, much more important, would unfold..."The Little Mission for the Little King," and many more dreams will become realities.
One of Delaney's fondest life intervals was her monastic experience as a Poor Clare postulant at St. Joseph's Monastery in Aptos CA (nuns now in Immaculate Heart Monastery, Los Altos Hills CA). Although no longer a monastic, Delaney's contemplative spirit continues. Delaney was later professed as a Third Order Franciscan, a lay Sister of Penance on March 27, 2004.
Our Lord impressed upon Delaney's heart, "Place my Shrine in this corner." Delaney would ask Jesus over the next several years, "Shall I ask this pastor?" Finally the "Yes!" was given. In 2006, Delaney asked permission of her pastor, Monsignor Steven Otellini, to have a replica of the Infant Jesus of Prague statue installed in her local parish, Church of the Nativity in Menlo Park CA. The shrine was also to be placed at an angle at the designated corner on the Sacred Heart of Jesus side of the church. The Infant Jesus of Prague statue's face would be in alignment with the Sanctuary. Once granted, Delaney was moved to draw the shrine design with arches in the style of Gothic Revival to match the 1887 church. Arkagy Rubinshteyn, a former apprentice at "The Hermitage" (State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia), subsequently hand-builds the shrine structure. The white wood is painted to match the rich dark wood of the church interior.
The Installation and Dedication of the Infant Jesus of Prague replica statue from Our Lady Victorious, Prague, was joyfully celebrated on the Solemnity of Christ the King, November 25, 2007. Bishop Petr Esterka (+
) , Bishop for Czech Catholics living in Diaspora, was the honorary guest and primary celebrant. King of Hearts and Srdcí Král were both sung for this very auspicious, historical event for the Church of the Nativity.
Delaney next founded the Infant Jesus of Prague Prayer Society which commenced on December 17, 2007. Members pray an Infant Jesus of Prague Novena (nine days of consecutive prayer) on the 17th of each month, including prayers for peace, salvation of souls, sanctity of life, increase of vocations, the Holy Father, priests and religious, and intentions from the Infant Jesus Prayer Line, emails, and personal contacts. For the 24 hour prayer line, please call (650) 281-3339 USA to leave prayer requests and thanksgivings. pray2infantjesus@aol.com
Delaney was chosen in 2008 by ERMMedia (Norfolk VA) as one of 21 composers featured in Masterworks of the New Era, Vol. 19, to be released in 2009. Trilogy of Hope was recorded by the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Kühn Choir, and conducted by Robert Winstin (+) at the Czech Radio Studios, January 2009. Three recordings for King of Hearts include: Prague, originally sung by Delaney, and the original instrumental recording
You may also read the related article, The Synchronicity and Connectivity of God (one of Delaney's favorite phrases she shares with everyone) by Sher Vacik, editor of Czech Off the Beaten Path.
PARMA Recordings (North Hampton, NH) was referred to continue the above recording. Bob Lord, the CEO, wrote to Delaney: "Sister Delaney's work is original and singular, and her command of technique is matched only by her spiritual inspiration and devotion to themes of peace and hope... rarely do we see scores that have such penetrating depth in their conception, and such a unique voice on the page."
Delaney signed a Recording Contract in 2012. Trilogy of Hope was to be recorded with the Moravian Philharmonic (Moravská filharmonie) at the Church of St. Moritz in Olomouc, Czech Republic. Funding curbed this venture. As of August 2024, a new Agreement is signed.
During April 2010, Delaney was drawn to a book entitled Appointments with the Little King by J. Janda (+) . With every page, Delaney felt an urgency to contact the author. During their first phone conversation, Sister learned that J. Janda was a Jesuit priest. Father Jim asked if Delaney would read and edit his second book, Appointments II. Father had emphysema and was on oxygen for seven years. He wrote: "Why the Little King keeps me on earth I'll never know. I think it is because He was waiting for you to contact me." A beautiful association with Fr. Jim soon followed.