Top Catholic Songs

October is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, and for my Hymn of the Month feature, I’ve highlighted a true gem of Catholic devotional music: "O Queen of the Holy Rosary".   

With lyrics written in 1882 by convert Emily Mary Shapcote, this text became a staple of Catholic schools and parishes for generations. Interestingly, church musicians over the years paired it with ten different traditional melodies—ranging from community-anonymous settings to compositions by notable prelates and organists like Archbishop Joseph Schrembs and S. Constantino Yon.   

I’ve put together a comprehensive history of the hymn, complete with historical hymnal scans, background on the composers, and audio files for the various tune settings so music directors can listen and compare.   

Take a look and listen here: https://www.motherofmercycatholichymns.com/o-queen-of-the-holy-rosary/