Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children
This week is filled with feasts and memorials of a wide swatch of saints. How rich is our tradition! Today we commemorate Vincent, a third century martyr. Wednesday features the patron saint of our archdiocese, Francis de Sales. The Pauline church is commemorated with the Conversion of Paul on Thursday and Sts. Timothy and Titus on Friday. As a product of twelve years of Ursuline education in Youngstown (plus the fact that Mary had two aunts who were Ursulines), I always look forward to the feast of founder Saint Angela Merici, which concludes our week.
One of the most beautiful hymns in our repertoire is “For all the Saints,” drafted as a processional hymn by the Anglican Bishop of Wakefield, William Walsham Howe. It was first published in Hymns for Saints' Days, and Other Hymns, in 1864.
This hymn is based on the inspiring vision from the Book of Revelation 7:9-17. As we enter the week it might do us well to sing and meditate on these beautiful words. What I include here are verses that sometimes get missed because they are towards the conclusion of the song:
And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song, And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
The golden evening brightens in the west; Soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest; Sweet is the calm of paradise so blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
But then there breaks a yet more glorious day: The saints triumphant rise in bright array; The King of glory passes on his way.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast, Through gates of pearl streams in the countless hosts.
Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
Alleluia! Alleluia!
O how we long to be in that number! When the saints go marching in!
-Timothy J. Cronin