A few years ago we released a beautiful sung version of the 9th century hymn by Rabanus Maurus, a Frankish Benedictine poet-theologian-abbot, who became archbishop of Mainz. The tune dates from about 1000, and is a great example of Gregorian chant.

https://ruachministries.co.uk/8272-2/

Recently, I have I found myself reflecting this morning on the saintly life of Giuseppe Sarto (the barefooted country boy who remained humble and holy throughout his life, and rose, very much to his surprise, to become Pope Pius X in 1903). As early as 1911 the Lord warned him that a Great War was going to break out. He did everything he possibly could to plead with countries at odds with each other to humble themselves and to step back from careering down the path that led to a war that would ultimately see 37,000,000 soldiers and civilians killed or wounded.

https://piusx.pl/a-broken-heart-august-20th-1914/?lang=en

Giuseppe had a particular heart to develop music in the Catholic church. Amongst many other measures, he reintroduced Gregorian chant. Some years I asked Geth Griffith and Phil Smalley to lead an instrumental version of this ancient hymn for us to pray along with. You might like to refer to the words in this mid nineteenth century translation by Edward Caswall the first time you listen to it – but why not then listen again and pray as the Spirit leads for the Holy Ghost to come and visit in power right across Europe and Russia at this tense and difficult time.

Harmony Greenwood (vocals), Megan Mellamphey (flute) Nick Evans Pughe (viola), Corinne Frost (cello), Christiane von Albrecht (keyboard)