Music in Lourdes
Music forms an integral part of any pilgrimage to Lourdes. Music in the liturgy contributes to "the Glory of God, and the sanctification of the faithful" (Sacrosanctum Concilium n.122).
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Music in Lourdes elevates our worship as prayerful, sacred texts are set to music. In Lourdes, music is a universal language that unites pilgrims in faith, hope, prayer and worship. It adds beauty, joy and solemnity to the liturgies while on pilgrimage.
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​​​​​Music ministry in Lourdes, often involves various choirs (adult & children) and musicians (organists, cantors) enhancing Mass & services with diverse styles from chant to contemporary, focusing on prayerful participation.
The Ave Maria ("Immaculate Mary") and other traditional Catholic hymns are central to services and processions. The music of Lourdes powerfully conveys the story of the apparitions and the hopes of a pilgrim people.
Photo Credit: Diocese of Meath
Photo Credit: Diocese of Meath
Each year, the diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes is accompanied by a choir from a parish in the Diocese or the Meath Diocesan Choir. The choir leads the music at all the Masses, liturgies and prayer services throughout the Diocese's pilgrimage in Lourdes. While each choir prepares an extensive repertoire, their ultimate desire is to encourage and facilitate the congregation's active participation in the liturgies through song. ​​
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The diocesan pilgrimage choir join with choirs from all over the world to form part of the Sanctuary's choir for the torchlight procession in front of the Rosary Basilica each evening and the choir for the Blessed Sacrament procession each afternoon in the Underground Basilica. ​​
Photo Credit: Mullingar Choristers
The Music of Lourdes
The music of Lourdes is deeply devotional, often characterized by simple, repetitive refrains that allow for participation in large, multilingual crowds.
The music most synonymous with Lourdes is the "Lourdes Hymn," commonly known as "Immaculate Mary". The hymn was Composed in 1873 by French priest Abbé Jean Gaignet. Its chorus, "Ave, Ave, Ave Maria," is particularly famous and is often used during processions. This hymn is sung by pilgrims worldwide and is central to the devotion at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.
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Other music closely associated with pilgrimages to Lourdes are: "As I kneel Before You", Salve Regina, The Bells of the Angelus.
Photo Credit: Diocese of Meath
IMMACULATE MARY
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Immaculate Mary, your praises we sing;
You reign now in heaven with Jesus our King.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!
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In heaven, the blessed your glory proclaim;
On earth we, your children, invoke your fair name.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!
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We pray for our Mother, the Church upon earth,
And bless, dearest Lady, the land of our birth.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!
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(Song & Music: Gaignet)
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AS I KNEEL BEFORE YOU
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As I kneel before you,
As I bow my head in prayer,
Take this day, make it yours
and fill me with your love.
Refrain:
Ave Maria,
Gratia plena,
Dominus tecum,
Benedicta tu.
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All I have I give you,
Every dream and wish are yours,
Mother of Christ,
Mother of mine, present them to my Lord.
(Repeat Refrain)
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As I kneel before you,
And I see your smiling face,
Ev’ry thought, ev’ry word
Is lost in your embrace.
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(Song & Music: Maria Parkinson)
SALVE, REGINA
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Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae;
Vita, dulcedo et spes nostra salve.
Ad te clamamus, exsules filii Hevae.
Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes
in hac lacrimarum valle.
Eia ergo, advocata nostra,
illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte.
Et Jesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui,
nobis post hoc exsilium ostende.
O clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo Maria.