Throughout time, there have been many hymns written in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. One hymn that is near and dear to our hearts is “Jesus My Lord, My God, My All” by Frederick W. Faber (1814-1863), which we will sing at Communion this weekend. Many of us first learned this beloved hymn when we were preparing for our first Eucharist. Most can remember its refrain easily: “O Living Bread, we Thee adore, O make us love Thee more and more. O make us love Thee, more and more.”
In 1951, J. Fischer & Bro. published “The Parochial Hymnal," a compilation by St. Paul Cathedral organist and choirmaster, Rev. Carlo Rossini. This hymnal, with Imprimatur, (authorization), by Bishop Hugh C. Boyle, found its way into most churches in the Pittsburgh area. I found quite a few treasured hymns inside, such as, “O Bread of Heaven” and “O Lord, I Am Not Worthy,” of which I remember singing while kneeling at the Communion rail awaiting my first Eucharist. These treasured hymns were melodic, easy to sing, and most importantly, written with reverence.
This weekend we celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi, or The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. The following is a Novena which is prayed for nine consecutive days following Corpus Christi:
O Lord Jesus Christ, You who have given us Your precious Body and Blood to be our meat and drink, grant that through frequent reception of You in the Holy Eucharist, I may be strengthened in mind and body to do Your holy will. Amen. Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, have mercy on us.
