“I have loved you with an everlasting love, I have called you and you are mine.”
The lyrics are from the song, “I Have Loved You," by Michael Joncas for Oregon Catholic Press, © 1979. We will sing this song at Communion this weekend. Rev. Michael Joncas is known as a liturgical composer, author, and professor. He is probably best known for his beautifully written composition, “On Eagle‟s Wings."
In 1985 I attended the Eighth Annual Convention of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians in Cincinnati, OH. On Wednesday evening of that week there was a concert, “The Cry of the Poor," given to benefit Catholic Relief Services' work with the famine in Africa. Rev. Michael Joncas spoke that evening about love, compassion and his own motivation to aid in CRS's life-saving works of mercy. That night, in the Cincinnati Convention Center, together with composers and thousands of pastoral musicians, we recorded the album, “The Cry of the Poor." It showcased many songs that were just beginning to be sung at Mass, such as “Be Not Afraid," “Change Our Hearts,” and “On Eagle‟s Wings." To record a song with its composer present is a privilege and an experience one never forgets. This week, as we sing, “I Have Loved You,” let us remember the message of God‟s love for His people that Fr. Joncas portrayed so beautifully.
The lyrics are from the song, “I Have Loved You," by Michael Joncas for Oregon Catholic Press, © 1979. We will sing this song at Communion this weekend. Rev. Michael Joncas is known as a liturgical composer, author, and professor. He is probably best known for his beautifully written composition, “On Eagle‟s Wings."
In 1985 I attended the Eighth Annual Convention of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians in Cincinnati, OH. On Wednesday evening of that week there was a concert, “The Cry of the Poor," given to benefit Catholic Relief Services' work with the famine in Africa. Rev. Michael Joncas spoke that evening about love, compassion and his own motivation to aid in CRS's life-saving works of mercy. That night, in the Cincinnati Convention Center, together with composers and thousands of pastoral musicians, we recorded the album, “The Cry of the Poor." It showcased many songs that were just beginning to be sung at Mass, such as “Be Not Afraid," “Change Our Hearts,” and “On Eagle‟s Wings." To record a song with its composer present is a privilege and an experience one never forgets. This week, as we sing, “I Have Loved You,” let us remember the message of God‟s love for His people that Fr. Joncas portrayed so beautifully.
