Among a number of gifts at the time of my ordination last year was a subscription to ‘Magnificat’. Each month the booklet arrives, containing for each day a form of prayer for morning and evening, the Mass readings and prayers, and a meditation drawn from a great variety of resources. I heartily recommend ‘Magnificat’ and shall be renewing my subscription later this year.

The following hymn was set for Evening Prayers for yesterday, Sunday 24th August. It struck me that it would be very appropriate as a Hymn for the Ordinariate. The name of the author is not given.

O Love who drew from Jesus side,
One Body freed from Adam’s shame,
One Church sent forth to serve and guide,
One faith confirmed by gifts of flame:
When empty words our hopes assail,
Your kingdom come, your truth prevail.

Round Peter’s chair may all unite;
From blinded eyes the veil withdraw;
The minds of rulers set aright
Who bind your Church beneath their law:
Where faith grows dim and hearts are frail,
Your kingdom come, your truth prevail.

While Christians pray for unity,
Pour forth the light your saints have seen;
Dispel the dark of enmity;
Make known to all what love can mean:
Where brooding minds old wounds bewail,
Your kingdom come, your truth prevail.

Spoiled children, we, so blest with sight,
Redeemed by love surpassing all;
Lest we who glory in your light
Share not our gift, heed not your call:
In Christian hearts that faint and fail,
Your kingdom come, your truth prevail.

The suggested tune is ‘Melita’ (Eternal Father, strong to save) which is rousing and singable.