Every year the Sisters perform at the Saint Patrick’s Day Talent Night here at the monastery! This year we sang two pieces that were popular tunes with new lyrics written by the Sisters.
The first song, written to the tune of the traditional Irish song, “Maggie,” was re-written as “Saint Joseph’s Memorare.” The words are written to be as if Saint Joseph is speaking to the Blessed Mother, remembering the childhood of Christ and the years of the Hidden Life in Nazareth.
Saint Joseph’s Memorare
Remember that night long ago, Mary,
A poor stable bare and cold;
When God came from Heaven to us, Mary,
You gave Him to me to hold.
The beauty, the love of that moment, Mary,
My poor hands trembling all the while;
No time on this earth can compare, Mary,
To when I first saw God smile.
Remember watching Him grow, Mary,
His first little steps to my arms;
The first time He called out my name, Mary,
With infinite sweetness and charm.
And as He would work by my side, Mary,
Holding His little Hand in mine;
I wondered in awe that I taught, Mary,
Our little Creator Divine.
‘Twas Heaven on earth that we spent, Mary,
Those days back in Galilee;
Having and holding the one, Mary,
Whom prophets and kings longed to see.
The years have gone by, time has flown, Mary,
To think that God became our Son…
Ah, ‘tis sweet to remember with you, Mary,
The second song was written to an upbeat country song which was ironically named “It’s America.” The rewritten version was entitled “The Immaculate” and is a musical reminder that America is consecrated to the Immaculate Conception, and she will always be our confidence and strong defense!
The Immaculate
Immaculate she was conceived,
God’s perfect masterpiece
She leads the armies of our God against the evil foe.
In the end she’ll crush his head
And he lies and waits in dread
The pure and humble woman who was promised long ago
The Immaculate
Chorus
She’s the glorious one
She’s as bright as the sun
Like an army in array
She’s our strong defense
She’s our confidence
For she is so full of grace
She shields from harm with open arms
Her children and her slaves
The Immaculate
Through the years the battles raged
Fierce wars the Church has waged.
In her dangers, in her needs, she calls for help on high.
Mary always hastens there
Close to hear the fervent prayers
All the enemies of God, our Queen has put to flight
The Immaculate
Now when this war is at its height
The name of Mary is our battle cry!
For she’s our queen in command
She will lead the advance
And our hearts we consecrate
To the conquering woman whose loving hand will defend our Catholic Faith!
Lyrics written by the Sisters MICM
