Vincent William Uher III, a gifted hymnographer, who is "completing in his flesh what remains of Christ's sufferings for His Body, the Church" (Col 1:24), wrote this hymn at my request. He dedicates it:
In honor of The Most Reverend Edward James Slattery
Bishop of the Diocese of Tulsa
And in honor of Father Mark Daniel Kirby
and The Adorers of the Eucharistic Face of Jesus, O.S.B.
The hymn can be sung to any one of the following tunes: Beach Spring, Chartres, In Babilone, or Hyfrydol.
Friends of Christ, O royal priesthood,
Sing God's praise for every priest -
Strong and faithful, weak or lonely -
From the greatest to the least.
Brother priests of the Good Shepherd
Called to live the Lamb's high feast,
Witness to your love of Jesus,
Lord and Master, Great High Priest.
Take the Cross upon your shoulder.
Place your mind within your heart.
Make of Christ your perfect model.
Walk His steps and learn His art.
Beat down Satan with each footstep.
Fight to free each captive soul
Till the world's deceits and pleasures
Are no longer mankind's goal.
Learn from Mary Blessed Mother;
Ponder in your hearts God's grace:
How Christ makes His living presence
Real to feed the human race -
The Atonement raised to heaven
Through the holy hands of priests
For the life of all creation
Christ's own life, His Heart, His peace.
Forward go the royal banners
Of our Eucharistic King.
The Wise Virgins follow closely
Lamps of seven in offering.
Priests of God guide Christ's lay faithful
To bring forth their gifts and lights
And to call both friend and stranger
To the Way of Jesus Christ.
Now behold the Cross illumined
By the uncreated light.
See your Lord alive and risen
Calling you to share His life
And around Him all assembled
Martyred priests and Saints of God
Calling all of us together
To the Wedding Feast of God.
Copyright © 2009 Vincent William Uher III
All Rights Reserved.
His Excellency, Bishop Edward J. Slattery of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tulsa, Oklahoma has given
Father Mark a special mandate to live under the Rule of Saint Benedict in adoration before the Eucharistic Face of Jesus, offering thanksgiving, intercession, and reparation for all his
brothers in Holy Orders. In this way, Father is preparing the foundation of the new Diocesan Benedictine Monastery of Our Lady of the Cenacle. Father Mark is available to the
priests and deacons of the Diocese for spiritual and sacramental support in their pursuit of holiness. He is also charged with the spiritual formation of women who desire to dedicate themselves to spiritual motherhood in favour of priests.
What is the tune? Is it online anywhere?
This hymn can be sung to any one of the following tunes: Beach Spring, Chartres, In Babilone, or Hyfrydol.
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This is truly lovely.