The St. Gregory Hymnal and Catholic Choir Book Part 33

Rt. Rev. Msgr. H. T. Henry (Written expressly for the St. Gregory Hymnal, all rights reserved)

Ancient French Melody

A traditional Catholic melody (Provencal Noel) known as "Marche dei Rei"

words of which are attributed to King Rene. The Noel, over two centuries old, was utilized by Bizet in his incidental music to "L' Arlessierne."

Arr. by N. A. M.

1.

The Maid of France, with visioned eyes, Saw messengers from Paradise And Voices bore a hidden word That only by her ear was heard.

Refrain O blessed Maid, the chant we raise That tells the meaning of thy praise: Thou teachest us the lesson grand Of love for G.o.d and Fatherland.

2.

The Visions and the Voices spoke A wondrous message: "Break the yoke That burdens France, and crown your King, Sweet Herald of his triumphing!"

3.

The Maid believed the great command, And fought for G.o.d and native land: A model she shall ever lamp To guide her feet in court or camp.

4.

O who shall dare her glory paint?

She lived a hero, dies a Saint: A model she shall ever stand Of love for G.o.d and Fatherland.

Page 162-163

No. 105

SAINTS, St. Cecilia

Let the deep organ swell the lay

Rev. C. Pise Nicola. A. Montani

Marcato

1.

Let the deep organ swell the lay, In honor of this festive day; Let the harmonious choirs proclaim Cecilia's ever blessed name.

Rome gave the virgin martyr birth, Whose holy name hath filled the earth; And from the early dawn of youth, She fixed her heart on G.o.d and truth.

2.

Then from the world's bewild'ring strife, In peace she spent her holy life, Teaching the organ to combine With voice, to praise the Lamb divine, Cecilia, with a two-fold crown Adorned in Heav'n, we pray look down Upon thy fervent votaries here And harken to their humble pray'r.

Page 164-165

No. 106

SAINTS, St. Agnes

Sweet Agnes, Holy Child

Anonymous Melody from a Slovak Hymnal Arr. by N. A. M.

Andante religioso

1.

Sweet Agnes, holy child, All purity, Oh, may we undefiled, Be pure as thee: Ready our blood to shed Forth as the martyrs led.

The path of pain to tread, And die like thee.

2.

O gentle patroness Of holy youth, Ask G.o.d all those to bless Who love the truth: Oh, guide us on our way Unto th'eternal day, With hearts all pure and gay, Dear Saint, like thine.

3.

Look down and hear our pray'r From realms above, Show us thy tender care, Thy guiding love: Oh, keep us in thy sight, Till in th'unclouded light Of Heav'n's pure vision bright We dwell with thee.

Page 166

No. 107

SAINTS, St. Ursula

Afar upon a foreign sh.o.r.e

Ancient Breton Melody Arr. by N. A. M

Andante religioso

1.

Afar upon a foreign sh.o.r.e A martyr's crown thy love did win, Thy life, thy death to Jesus giv'n, With Him to reign forevermore

Refrain Hail Blessed Saint, hail Ursula!

Obtain for us, we pray, That love may make us martyrs too, And in our hearts hold sway.

2.

O happy Saint! Upon whose way G.o.d's special love a glory cast, Thy sorrows o'er thy tempest past, Thou sharest His eternal day.

3.