The St. Gregory Hymnal and Catholic Choir Book
Chapter 5
2. Behold earth's blossoms springing In beauteous form and hue. All nature gladly bring Her sweetest charms to you. We'll gather fresh, bright flowers, To bind our fair queen's brow; From gay and verdant bowers, We haste to crown thee now.
3. Hail Virgin, dearest Mary! Our lovely Queen of May, O spotless blessed Lady, Our lovely Queen of May. And now, our blessed Mother, Smile on our festal day; Accept our wreath of flowers, And be our Queen of May.
By permission Copyright 1920 by S. M. Yenn
Page 126
No. 82
THE BLESSED VIRGIN
This is the image of the Queen
Month of Mary Crowning Hymn Tr. Rev. E. Caswall from a Slovak Hymnal Arr. by N.A.M
Joyously: Moderato
1. This is the image of the Queen Who reigns in bliss above; Of her who is the hope of men, Whom men and angels Love! Most holy Mary! at thy feet I bend a suppliant knee; In this thy own sweet month of May, Dear Mother of my God, I pray, Do thou remember me.
2. This homage offered at the feet Of Mary's image here To Mary's self at once ascends Above the starry sphere. Most holy Mary! at thy feet I bend a suppliant knee; In all my joy, in all my pain, O Virgin born without a stain, Do thou remember me.
3. How fair soever be the form Which here your eyes behold, Its beauty is by Mary's self Excell'd a thousand-fold. Most holy Mary! At thy feet I bend a suppliant knee; In my temptations each and all From Eve derived in Adam's fall, Do thou remember me.
4. Sweet are the flowerets we have called This image to adorn; But sweeter far is Mary's self, That rose without a thorn! Most holy Mary! At thy feet I bend a suppliant knee; When on the bed of death I lie, By Him who did for sinners die, Do thou remember me.
Page 127-128
No. 83
THE BLESSED VIRGIN
Hail! Holy Queen, enthroned above Salve Regina Mater Misericordiae
Traditional Melody Salve Regina Coelitum
Andante moderato
1. Hail, holy Queen, enthron'd above O Maria! Hail, Mother of Mercy and of Love! O Maria!
Refrain Triumph, all ye Cherubim, Sing with us, ye Seraphim, Heav'n and earth resound the hymn: Salve, salve, salve Regina.
2. Our life, our sweetness here below, O Maria! Our hope in sorrow and in woe, O Maria!
3. To thee we cry, poor sons of Eve, O Maria! To thee we sigh, we mourn, we grieve. O Maria!
4. This earth is but a veil of tears, O Maria! A place of banishment, of fears, O Maria!
5. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, O Maria! T'wards us thine eyes compassionate, O Maria!
6. When this our exile is complete, O Maria! Show us thy Son, our Jesus sweet, O Maria!
7. O clement, gracious, Mother sweet, O Maria! O virgin Mary, we entreat, O Maria!
Page 129-130
No. 84
THE BLESSED VIRGIN
Hail, Queen of heaven Ave, Regina coelorum
Rev. Dr. Lingard Traditional Melody
Moderato
1. Hail, Queen of Heav'n, the ocean star, Guide of the Wanderer here below, Thrown on life's surge, we claim thy care, Save us from peril and from woe. Mother of Christ, Star of the sea, Pray for the wanderer, pray for me.
2. O gentle, chaste, and spotless Maid, We sinners make our pray'rs thro' thee; Remind the Son that he has paid The price of our iniquity. Virgin, most pure, Star of the Sea, Pray for the sinner, pray for me.
3. Sojourners in this vale of tears, To thee, blest Advocate, we cry, Pity our sorrows, calm our fears, And soothe with hope our misery. Refuge in grief, Star of the Sea, Pray for the mourner, pray for me.
4. And while to Him Who reigns above, In God-head One, in Persons Three, The Source of life, of grace, of love, Homage we pay on bended knee Do thou, bright Queen, Star of the Sea, Pray for the children, pray for me.
Page 131
No. 85
THE BLESSED VIRGIN
Remember, holy Mary Memorare
St. Bernard Tr. Rev. M. Russell, S.J. from a Slovak Hymnal Adapted by N.A.M.
Moderato
1. Remember, Holy Mary, 'Twas never heard or known That any one who sought thee And made to thee his moan, That any one who hastened For shelter to thy care, Was ever yet abandoned And left to his despair.
2. And so to thee, my Mother, With filial faith I call, For Jesus dying gave thee As Mother to us all. To thee, O Queen of virgins, O Mother meek, to thee I run with trustful fondness, Like child to mother's knee.
3. See at thy feet a sinner, Groaning and weeping sore Ah! Throw thy mantle o'er me, And let me stray no more. Thy Son has died to save me, And from His throne on high His heart this moment yearneth For even such as I.
4. All, all His love remember, And oh! Remember too How prompt I am to purpose, How slow and frail to do. Yet scorn not my petitions, But patiently give ear, And help me, O my Mother, Most loving and most dear.
Page 132-133
No. 86
THE BLESSED VIRGIN
Hail, full of grace and purity
The Rosary The Joyful Mysteries
Father Conway, O. P. Isabella Montani
Moderato
1. The Annunciation: Humility.
Hail full of grace and purity! Meek Handmaid of the Lord, Hail model of humility! Chaste Mother of the Word.
2. The Visitation: Charity to our neighbors.
By that pure love which prompted thee To seek thy cousin blest, Pray that the fires of charity May burn within our breast.
3. The Birth of Christ: Poverty.
This blessing beg, O Virgin Queen, From Jesus through His birth, By holy poverty to wean Our hearts from things of earth.
4. Presentation in the Temple: Obedience.
Most Holy Virgin Maiden mild, Obtain for us, we pray, To imitate thy Holy Child, By striving to obey.
5. The finding of Our Lord: Love Him and His service.
By thy dear Son, restored to thee, This grace for us implore, To serve our Lord most faithfully, And love Him more and more.
6. Concluding Verse.
Queen of the Holy Rosary, With tender love look down, And bless the hearts that offer thee This chaplet for thy crown.
Page 134-135
No. 87
THE BLESSED VIRGIN
Hear thy children, gentlest Mother
Children's Hymn to Our Lady Father Stanfield M. Haydn Arr. by N. A. M.
Moderato
1. Hear thy children, gentlest Mother, Pray'rful hearts to thee arise; Hear us while our evening Ave Soars beyond the starry skies. Darkling shadows fall around us, Stars their silent watches keep; Hush the heart oppress'd with sorrow, Dry the tears of those who weep.
2. Hear, sweet Mother, hear the weary, Borne upon life's troubled sea; Gentle guiding Star of Ocean, Lead thy children home to thee. Still watch o'er us, dearest Mother, From thy beauteous throne above; Guard us from all harm and danger, 'Neath thy shelt'ring wings of love.
Page 136
No. 88
THE BLESSED VIRGIN
O Most holy one O Sanctissima
Translated by Rev. J. M. Raker Sicilian Melody Arr. by N. A. M.
Slowly, with devotion
1. O most holy one, O most lowly one, Dearest Virgin Maria! Mother of fair Love, Home of the Spirit Dove Ora, ora pro nobis.
2. Help us in sadness drear, Port of gladness near, Virgin Mother Maria! In pity heading, Hear our pleading, Ora, ora pro nobis.
3. Call we fearfully, Sadly, tearfully, Save us now, O Maria! Let us not languish, Heal thou our anguish, Ora, ora pro nobis.
4. Mother, Maiden fair, Look with loving care, Hear our pray'r, O Maria! Our sorrow feeling, Send us thy healing, Ora, ora pro nobis.
Page 137
No. 89
THE BLESSED VIRGIN
Mother of Christ
Nicola A. Montani
Not too slow (alla breve)
1. Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ, What shall I ask of thee? I do not sigh for the wealth of earth, For joys that fade and flee; But, Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ, This do I long to see, The bliss untold which thine arms enfold, The treasure upon thy knee.
2. Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ, What shall I do for thee? I love thy Son with my whole strength My only King shall he be. Yes, Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ, This I do ask of thee, Of all that are dear or cherished here, None shall be dear as He.
3. Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ, I toss on a stormy sea, O lift thy child as beacon high To the port where I fain would be, Then, Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ, This do I ask of thee, When the voyage is o'er, O stand on the shore And show Him at last to me.
Page 138
No. 90
THE BLESSED VIRGIN
Raise your voices, vales and mountains Causa nostra laetitiae
St. Alphonsus Liguori Translated by Rev. E. Vaughan William Schultes (1815-1879) Arr. by N. A. M.
Joyfully (alla breve)
1. Raise your voices, vales and mountains, Flow'ry meadows, streams and fountains, Praise, O praise the loveliest Maiden The Creator ever made.
2. Murm'ring brooks your tribute bringing, Little birds with joyful singing, Come with mirthful praises laden To your Queen be homage paid.
3. Like a sun with splendor glowing Gleams thy heart with love o'erflowing, Like the moon in starry heaven Shines thy peerless purity.
4. Like the rose and lily blooming, Sweetly heav'n and earth perfuming Stainless, spotless thou appearest: Queenly beauty graces thee.
Page 139
No. 91
THE BLESSED VIRGIN
O Mother! most afflicted
Our Mother of Sorrows Anonymous Traditional Melody (1638)
Lento
1. O Mother! Most afflicted, Standing beneath that tree, Where Jesus hangs rejected On the hill of Calvary!
Refrain O Mary! sweetest Mother, We love to pity thee; O! for the sake of Jesus Let us thy children be.
2. Thy heart is well-nigh breaking, Thy Jesus thus to see, Derided, wounded, dying, In greatest agony.
3. His livid Form is bleeding, His Soul with sorrow wrung, Whilst thou, afflicted Mother, Shar'st the torments of thy Son.
4. O Mary! Queen of Martyrs, The sword had pierced thy heart, Obtain for us of Jesus In thy grief to bear apart.
5. O dear and loving Mother! Entreat that we may be Near thee and thy dear Jesus Now and eternally
Page 140-141
No. 92
SAINTS, St. Joseph
O blessed Saint Joseph
The Patronage of St. Joseph Father Faber Melody from the Trier Gesangbuch (1872)
Moderato
1. O blessed Saint Joseph, how great was thy worth, The one chosen shadow of God upon earth, The father of Jesus! Ah then, wilt thou be, Sweet spouse of our Lady! A father to me?
2. For thou to the pilgrim art father and guide, And Jesus and Mary felt safe by thy side; Ah, blessed Saint Joseph, how safe I should be, Sweet spouse of our Lady! If thou wert with me!
3. When the treasures of God where unsheltered on earth, Safe keeping was found them both in thy worth; O father of Jesus, be father to me, Sweet spouse of our Lady! And I will love thee.
Page 142
No. 93
SAINTS, St. Joseph
Great Saint Joseph! Son of David Du aus David's
Translated by Bishop Casartelli from a Slovak Hymnal Arr. by N. A. M.
Con Spirito
1. Great Saint Joseph! Son of David, Foster father of our Lord, Spouse of Mary ever Virgin, Keeping o'er them watch and ward! In the stable thou didst guard them With a father's loving care; Thou by God's command didst save them From the cruel Herod's snare.
2. Three long days in grief and anguish With His Mother sweet and mild, Mary Virgin, didst thou wander Seeking the beloved Child. In the temple thou didst find Him: Oh! What joy then filled thy heart! In thy sorrows, in thy gladness Grant us, Joseph, to have a part.
3. Clasped in Jesus' arms and Mary's, When death gently came at last, Thy pure spirit sweetly sighing From its earthly dwelling passed. Dear Saint Joseph! By that passing May our death be like to thine; And with Jesus, Mary, Joseph, May our souls forever shine.
Page 143-144
No. 94
SAINTS, St. Joseph
Joseph, pure Spouse of that Immortal Bride Te Joseph Celebrent
Translated by Father Caswall M. Mattoni
Devoto (alla breve)
1. Joseph, pure spouse of that immortal Bride; Who shines in ever-virgin glory bright, Thro' all the Christian climes the praise be sung, Thro' all the realms of light.
2. Thine arms embraced thy Maker newly born: With Him to Egypt's desert didst thou flee: Him in Jerusalem didst seek and find; O grief, O joy for thee.
3. Not until after death their blissful crown Other obtain, but unto thee was giv'n, In thine own lifetime to enjoy thy God As do the blest in Heav'n.
4. Grant us great Trinity, for Joseph's sake Unto the starry mansions to attain; There, with glad tongues, thy praise to celebrate In one eternal strain.
Page 145
No. 95
SAINTS, St. Joseph
Hail! Holy Joseph, Hail!
Father Faber From the Catholic Songbook (St. Gall 1863)
Con Spirito
1. Hail, holy Joseph, hail! Chaste spouse of Mary hail! Pure as the lily flow'r In Eden's peaceful vale. Hail, holy Joseph, hail! Prince of the house of God! May His best graces be By thy sweet hands bestowed.
2. Hail, holy Joseph, hail! Comrade of Angels, hail! Cheer thou the hearts that faint, And guide the steps that fail. Hail, holy Joseph, hail! God's choice wert thou alone! To thee the Word made flesh, Was subject as a Son.
3. Hail, holy Joseph, hail! Teach us our flesh to tame, And, Mary, keep the hearts That love thy husband's name. Mother of Jesus! bless, And bless, ye saints on high, All meek and simple souls That to Saint Joseph cry.
Page 146
No. 96
SAINTS, St. Patrick
Hail, glorious Saint Patrick (No. 1)
Sister Agnes From a Slovak Hymnal Arr. by N. A. M.
Maestoso
1. Hail, glorious Saint Patrick! dear Saint of our isle, On us thy poor children bestow a sweet smile; And now thou art high in the mansions above, On Erin's green valleys look down in love.
2. Hail, glorious Saint Patrick! Thy words were once strong Against Satan's wiles and a heretic throng; Not less is thy might where in Heaven thou art; Oh, come to our aid, in our battle take part!
3. In the war against sin, in the fight for faith, Dear Saint, may thy children resist to the death; May their strength be in meekness, in penance, and pray'r, Their banner the Cross, which they glory to bear.
4. Thy people, now exiles on many a shore, Shall love and revere thee till time be no more; And the fire thou hast kindled shall ever burn bright, Its warmth undiminished, undying its light.
5. Ever bless and defend the sweet land of our birth, Where the shamrock still blooms as when thou wert on earth, And our hearts shall yet burn, wheresoever we roam, For God and Saint Patrick and our native home.
Page 147-148
No. 97
SAINTS, St. Patrick
Hail, glorious Saint Patrick (No.2)
Sister Agnes Ancient Irish Melody Arr. by N. A. M.
Maestoso
1. Hail, glorious Saint Patrick! dear Saint of our isle, On us thy poor children bestow a sweet smile; And now thou art high in the mansions above, On Erin's green valleys look down in love.
2. Hail, glorious Saint Patrick! Thy words were once strong Against Satan's wiles and a heretic throng; Not less is thy might where in Heaven thou art; Oh, come to our aid, in our battle take part!
3. In the war against sin, in the fight for faith, Dear Saint, may thy children resist to the death; May their strength be in meekness, in penance, and pray'r, Their banner the Cross, which they glory to bear.
4. Thy people, now exiles on many a shore, Shall love and revere thee till time be no more; And the fire thou hast kindled shall ever burn bright, Its warmth undiminished, undying its light.
5. Ever bless and defend the sweet land of our birth, Where the shamrock still blooms as when thou wert on earth, And our hearts shall yet burn, wheresoever we roam, For God and Saint Patrick and our native home.
Page 149-150
No. 98
SAINTS, St. Peter
Seek ye a Patron to defend? Si vis Patronum quaerere
Translated by Father Caswall Nicola A. Montani
1. Seek ye a patron to defend Your cause? then, one and all, Without delay upon the Prince Of the Apostles call.
Refrain Blest holder of the heav'nly Keys! Thy pray'rs we all implore; Unlock to us the sacred bars Of Heav'n's eternal door.
2. By penitential tears thou didst The path of life regain: Teach us with thee to weep our sins And wash away their stain.
3. The Angel touch'd thee and forthwith Thy chains from off thee fell Oh loose us from the subtle coils That link us close with Hell.
4. Firm Rock wheron the Church is based Pillar that cannot bend With strength endue us; and the Faith From heresy defend.
Page 151-152
No. 99
SAINTS, St. Paul
Lead us, great teacher Paul
Translated from the Latin From a Slovak Hymnal
Slowly
1. Lead us, great teacher Paul, in wisdom's ways, And lift our hearts with thine to heav'n's high throne, Till faith beholds the clear meridian blaze, And in the soul reigns charity alone.
2. Praise, blessing, majesty, thro' endless days, Be to the Trinity immortal giv'n, Who in pure unity profoundly sways, Eternally all things in earth and Heav'n.
Page 153
No. 100
SAINTS, St. Anthony of Padua
If great wonders thou desirest (Si quaeris)
Translated by Father Aylward, O. P. Melody from a Slovak Hymnal
Andante moderato
1. If great wonders thou desirest, Hopeful to Saint Anthony pray; Error, Satan, wants the direst, Death and pest his will obey, And the sick, who beg his pity, From their couches haste away.
2. Young and old are ever singing, Praises to Saint Anthony bringing; Stormy ocean calms its passion, Bonds and fetters break in twain, Treasures lost and limbs disabled, These his pow'r restores again.
3. Padua has been the witness Of these deeds six hundred years; Dangers flee and need must perish, Grief and sorrow disappear, Filling all the world with wonder, While the demons quake with fear.
4. Glory be to God the Father And to His coequal Son, To the Holy Ghost resplendent; One in Three--Three in One; Praise we Father, Son and Spirit While eternal ages run.
Page 154-155
No. 101
SAINTS, St. John Baptist De La Salle
Glorious Patron
Sr. Mercedes J. Lewis Browne
1. Glorious Patron! Low before Thee Kneel Thy sons, with hearts aflame! And out voices blend in music, Singing praises to thy name. Saint John Baptist! Glorious Patron! Saint La Salle we sound thy fame.
2. Loyal to our Queen and Mother, At her feet didst vow thy heart, Earth, and all its joys, forsaking, Thou didst choose the better part. Saint La Salle, our glorious Father, Pierce our souls with love's one dart.
3. Model of the Christian teacher! Patron of the Christian youth! Lead us all to heights of glory, As we strive in earnest ruth. Saint La Salle! Oh, guard and guide use, As we spread afar the Truth!
4. In this life of sin and sorrow, Saint La Salle, oh, guide our way, In the hour of dark temptation, Father! Be our spirit's stay! Take our hand and lead us homeward, Saint La Salle, to Heav'ns bright day!
Copyright MCMXIII by The Gilbert Music Co. By Permission
Page 156-157
No. 102
SAINTS, St, Francis of Assisi
Blessed Francis, holy Father
Patron of Franciscan Tertiaries From the Fransciscan Manual From a Slovak Hymnal Arr by N. A. M.
Con Anima
1. Blessed Francis, holy father, Now our hearts to thee we raise, As we gather 'round thine altar, Pouring forth our hymns of praise. Bless thy children, holy Francis, Who thy mighty help implore, For in heaven thou remainest, Still the father of the poor.
2. By thy love so deep and burning, For thy Saviour crucified; By the tokens which He gave thee On thy hands and feet and side: Bless thy children, holy Francis, With those wounded hands of thine, From thy glorious throne in heaven Where resplendently they shine.
3. Humble follower of Jesus. Likened to Him in thy birth, In thy way thro' life despising, For His sake the goods of earth: Make us love the priceless virtue By our hidden God esteemed, Make it valued, holy Francis, By the souls of the redeemed.
4. Teach us also, dear Saint Francis, How to mourn for ev'ry sin; May we walk in thy dear footsteps Till the crown of life we win. Bless thy children, holy Francis, With those wounded hands of thine, From thy glorious throne in heaven, Where resplendently they shine.
Page 158-159
No. 103
SAINTS, St. John the Evangelist
Saint of the Sacred Heart
Father Faber Nicola A. Montani
Andante
1. Saint of the Sacred Heart, Sweet teacher of the Word; Partner of Mary's woes And fav'rite of thy Lord! Thou to whom grace was giv'n To stand where Peter fell, Whose heart could brook the Cross Of Him it loved so well!
2. We know not all thy gifts; But this Christ bids us see, That He Who so loved all Found more to love in thee. When the last evening came, Thy head was on His Breast, Pillowed on earth where now In heav'n the Saints find rest.
3. Dear Saint I stand far off With vilest sins oppressed; Oh may I dare, like thee, To lean upon His Brest? His touch could heal the sick, His voice could raise the dead! Oh that my soul might be Where He allows thy head.
4. The gifts He gave to thee He gave thee to impart; And I, too, claim with thee His Mother and His Heart. Ah teach me, then, dear Saint! The secrets Christ taught thee, The beatings of His Heart, And how it beat for me.
Page 160-161
No. 104
SAINTS, St. Jeanne d' Arc
The Maid of France, with visioned eyes
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 God 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 God 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 God 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 God 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 God 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 shore
Ancient Breton Melody Arr. by N. A. M
Andante religioso
1. Afar upon a foreign shore 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 God's special love a glory cast, Thy sorrows o'er thy tempest past, Thou sharest His eternal day.