Those who follow the classical music scene are already familiar with the group of cloistered nuns in Missouri who have won honors for what’s been referred to as their “very pure yet sophisticated style.”
The Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, is a religious order founded just less than 20 years ago, in 1995. The sisters sing together eight times a day as they chant the Divine Office in Latin.
Their prioress, Mother Cecilia Snell, found her vocation to religious life after working as a professional musician.
Mother Cecilia and the sisters have now released three chart-topping albums, the latest being “Lent at Ephesus.”
ZENIT asked Mother Cecilia to share a reflection on this latest album, and she chose to speak briefly about the last of the 23 tracks, an original piece titled “My Mercy.”
Producer DeMontfort Music agreed to share with ZENIT a stream of the song, which can be heard at this link: http://www.demontfortmusic.com/assets/media/My-Mercy.mp3
The lyrics follow:
Jesus I trust in You,
I love You, have mercy.
Deep from Your wounded heart, Pour out Your grace and mercy.
Meek and all-humble,
Patient and mild,
Your heart draws poor sinners Each as Your child.
Let no one fear
To approach Your dear Heart
Sweet compassion compels You, Forgiveness to impart.
O Jesus my refuge,
My hope and my life,
Always present in the darkness, Turning shadows to light.
O rain down Your mercy! Immersed in Your Blood
Our weakness is our strength, Overcome by Your Love.
Mercy, Mercy,
Forever will I sing
The mercies of the Lord!
~~~
“My Mercy is an interior prayer that was brought forth in song in 2007, with the final chorus being added a year later,” explains Mother Cecilia. “It encapsulates the whole of the interior life of prayer to which we have been called, that of imploring Christ to pour out the mercy from His pierced Heart upon all souls.
“‘Encourage souls to place great trust in My fathomless mercy. Let the weak, sinful soul have no fear to approach Me, for even if it had more sins than there are grains of sand in the world, all would be drowned in the unmeasurable depths of My mercy’ (Diary of St. Faustina, 1059).”
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On the Net:
Lent at Ephesus: http://www.demontfortmusic.com/artists/lent-at-ephesus.php
