Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:6-7



Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Who needs an iPod?

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Since Mass on Saturday evening, this song has been on an unending cycle in my brain, and often I catch myself humming out loud. According to catholicculture.org this penitential hymn is based on a 10th century Mozarabic Litany for the Lenten Season.

PS If you have a Latin student, it's good practice to sit and read the lyrics.




Hear us, O Lord, and have mercy, because we have sinned against Thee.

To Thee, highest King,
Redeemer of all,
do we lift up our eyes
in weeping:
Hear, O Christ, the prayers
of your servants.

Hear us, O Lord, and have mercy, because we have sinned against Thee.

Right hand of the Father,
corner-stone,
way of salvation,
gate of heaven,
wash away our
stains of sin.

Hear us, O Lord, and have mercy, because we have sinned against Thee.

We beseech Thee, God,
in Thy great majesty:
Hear our groans
with Thy holy ears:
calmly forgive
our crimes.

Hear us, O Lord, and have mercy, because we have sinned against Thee.

To Thee we confess
our sins admitted
with a contrite heart
We reveal the things hidden:
By Thy kindness, O Redeemer,
overlook them.

Hear us, O Lord, and have mercy, because we have sinned against Thee.

The Innocent, seized,
not refusing to be led;
condemned by false witnesses
because of impious men
O Christ, keep safe those
whom Thou hast redeemed.

Hear us, O Lord, and have mercy, because we have sinned against Thee.


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6 comments:

  1. Our choir sang this on Sunday! I love it.

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  2. One of my favorite hymns that I hum all the time, too. Sadly, our new pastor is eradicating the use of Latin in our parish. We're not even sure we'll be allowed to sing hymns in Latin. :-( :-(

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  3. It is, Jamie. And the chant...oh the chant.

    So did ours, Leila, which is why I have been humming.

    Oh Sara, that makes me so, so sad. While we attend the N.O. Mass we sing the Kyrie and the Agnus Dei, and quite a few Latin hymns. It's a lovely compromise for those who love the more traditional Mass. I can't imagine wanting to get rid of the Latin. Our Father Bennett used to tease that God hears better in Latin, and always gave blessings in Latin. I think we should have more, not less.

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  4. The Vatican thinks we should have more Latin, not less, too. Praying for priests alot these days!

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  5. That's a favorite here too. What a fabulous piece to have 'stuck in your head', and such a beautiful way to pray without ceasing!

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I appreciate your comments -- sometimes I feel like I'm talking to myself!