As a young man the Englishmen, St. John Henry Newman (1801-1890), became ill and bed-ridden for three weeks while traveling abroad. When he was allowed to travel home to England he was again delayed at sea, and it was on that ship that he penned these words.
These are words of someone who knows his own fallenness, yet despite it, finds hope in a future. For those in need of hope, I wish you the same.
premier: December 2023 Most Pure Heart of Mary Schola | Topeka, KS | Director: Dr. Lucas Tappan
session recording: Matthew Nielsen and Brevitas Choir | February 2024, Warner Bros. Studio, Burbank, CA
The Pillar of a Cloud "Lead Kindly Light | 2023 | SATB dbl choir
Lead, Kindly Light, amidst th'encircling gloom, Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home, Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou Shouldst lead me on;
I loved to choose and see my path; but now Lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears, Pride ruled my will. Remember not past years!So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still Will lead me on.
O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till The night is gone,
And with the morn those angel faces smile, Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile!-John Henry Newman