Gifted New Castle musician's musical to God to be performed at Holy Family

POLAND

When Bob Summers was a young man, he was a novice in a Trappist monastery and planned to devote his life to God.

In the silence of the monastery, he “found” himself. “I realized God had given me a gift, he said.

Summers discovered and developed a musical talent. “I hear it in my head then sing the melodies,” he said.

Summers, who does not read music, said he first sang and recorded his inspirations into a cassette player and now uses an iPhone.

Over the years, he has enlisted other musicians to transcribe the actual musical notes. “They literally write out what I sing,” he said. “The words and melody just come to me.”

Summers built on that talent and has written musicals to praise God. He began in 1994 and has been going strong since. Presentations include “In Search of the Christ Child” for Christmas and for Lent, and “Make Us Believers,” on the passion of Christ. In the Valley, “Believers” will be performed March 11 at Holy Family Church, 2729 Center Road.

Read more about this inspirational man and his work in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.