Hail Holy Queen

Hail Holy Queen enthroned above, O Maria

Hail Mother of mercy and of love, O Maria

Triumph all ye Cherubim

Sing with us ye Seraphim

Heaven and earth resound the hymn

Salve, Salve, Salve Regina

Carry Our Cross

A friend of mine once told me that God gives us the cross that we must each carry...

When we can no longer bear the weight of the wood and stumble and fall, He is there to help us with our cross, usually in the form of a friend or relative who happens to come along at the right moment. How many times haven't we fallen? I know that no matter how many times I am tempted and fall, God has always forgiven me and called me to Him.

If you or I can help someone in spiritual need, we should rejoice in being given the opportunity to be God's messenger of hope. I encourage you to e-mail me your stories of how you have seen the face of God. Sometimes we feel alone and unwanted, yet He is always waiting for us to swallow our pride and call Him. Please pray for me and all others in need. If you can't pray, sing. He gave us our voice (whether we like it or not) it was meant to be lifted up in sung praise. I am reminded of the lyrics to an old hymn:

All creatures of our God and King

Lift up your voice and with us sing

Alleluia, Alleluia

O golden sun with golden gleam

And silver moon with softer sheen

O praise Him, O praise Him,

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Holy God, We Praise Thy Name

There is something strikingly beautiful about an old traditional hymn. The serenity of the still church filled with the faithful when suddenly the majestic strains of the pipe organ fills the sanctuary with its thundering voice. The congregation rises as the procession signals the beginning of the Holy Liturgy, and the rest is heaven on earth. Envision the incense, the candles, the vestments (all of which were mandated by God; Exodus).

Holy God, we praise Thy Name
Lord of all, we bow before Thee
All on earth, Thy scepter claim
All in heaven above adore Thee
Infinite Thy vast domain
Everlasting is Thy reign

Music: Vienna c.1774
Text: Ignaz Franz 1719-1790
Translator: Clarence Walworth 1820-1900