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HYMN OF THE MONTH – May: Mother All Beautiful

April 30, 2025 - 9:31am — Don9of11
This hymn was written by Sister Mary Paulina Finn from the Georgetown Visitation Convent in Washington, D.C. Sister Paulina was head of the English Department at the Convent for over half a century and had a great influence in the education of her pupils and is known to have written the lyrics to at least ten different hymns. 

Please take a few moments to read about this beautiful Catholic Communion hymn.

Please visit my website Mother of Mercy Catholic Hymns and click on HYMN OF THE MONTH.

https://www.motherofmercycatholichymns.com/mother-all-beautiful/


 
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April 30, 2025 - 3:52pm — Richard Schletty

Your reflection on hymn choices

I found this comment by you (under Reflection) to be true to my experience with hymn selections:

"Today, some musicians use missalette guides for hymn choices, while others aim to revive Gregorian chant, both neglecting the educational value of traditional Catholic hymns. There was a time when Communion hymns of this quality were consistently part of the choir and parish repertoire."

Thanks for your complete survey of this wonderful song by Sister Mary Paulina Finn. 
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Richard Schletty | Schletty Design and Music | www.schletty.com

May 1, 2025 - 7:34am — Don9of11

hymn choices

Thank you Richard,

My reflection, particularly the comment about hymn selections, aims to encourage church musicians to appreciate traditional hymns. In my parish, our young organist is unfamiliar with traditional hymns because they are not included in the missalette. If a hymn is not listed there, it is typically excluded from the Sunday lineup. The prevailing guideline appears to be that the hymns should align with the readings, as suggested by the liturgy guides accompanying the missalettes.

Additionally, providing background information on the hymn, its author, and composer can offer valuable insight. It is my belief that many musicians select hymns based on their melodies and emotional impact, rather than contemplating the verses and the lessons they impart regarding our Catholic faith.

Then of course there is the other camp of musicians who want to reform the church according to the Vatican II documents with Gregorian chant. Granted, the church says the Gregorian chant has pride of place, but they neglect the last sixty years of hymn singing in the church and like their predecessors, they are throwing the baby out with the bath water.
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www.motherofmercycatholichymns.com
www.howefamily.com

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