Grace Thompson
May the Choirs of Angels is a Catholic hymn often used in funeral services. The hymn is based on the traditional Latin liturgy In Paradisum from the Requiem Mass, which translates to into paradise. The hymn is a prayer for the deceased, requesting that they be guided to paradise by angels and received by martyrs. It is a comforting and hopeful message for those grieving, expressing a wish for the departed to find peace, joy, and eternal life in the presence of God.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Hymn |
| Occasion | Funeral |
| Theme | Angels greeting the deceased, speeding them to paradise, and granting them eternal life |
| Related Hymns/Songs | "In Paradisum" (Latin antiphon from Requiem Mass), "Song of Farewell" (by Ernie Sands), "Songs of the Angels" (by Dufford), "May You Walk With the Lord" (by Rick Marcantonio), "Celtic Song of Farewell" (by Steve Schaubel) |
| Lyrics | See below |
| Lyrics Sample | "May the choirs of angels come to greet you./May they speed you to paradise./May the Lord enfold you in His mercy./May you find eternal life." |
Full Lyrics
May the choirs of angels come to greet you.
May they speed you to paradise.
May the Lord enfold you in His mercy.
May you find eternal life.
The Lord is my light and my help;
It is he who protects me from harm.
The Lord is the strength of my days;
Before whom should I tremble with fear?
There is one thing I ask of the Lord;
That He grant me my heartfelt desire.
To dwell in the courts of our God
Every day of my life in His presence.
O Lord, hear my voice when I cry;
Have mercy on me and give answer.
Do not cast me away in Your anger;
For You are the God of my help.
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What You'll Learn
Funeral hymn
The Catholic hymn "May the Choirs of Angels" is a popular choice for funeral services. The hymn is based on the traditional Latin liturgy "In Paradisum" (English: Into Paradise) from the Requiem Mass. The text is often included in musical settings of the Requiem Mass, such as those by Gabriel Fauré and Maurice Duruflé.
The hymn serves as a comforting and hopeful message for the deceased and their loved ones. It invokes angels to guide and protect the departed soul, leading them to paradise. The lyrics express a wish for the soul to find peace, joy, and eternal rest in the presence of God and the saints.
One version of the hymn includes the following lyrics:
> May the choirs of angels come to greet you.
> May they speed you to paradise.
> May the Lord enfold you in His mercy.
> May you find eternal life.
The refrain emphasizes the comforting presence of angels and the promise of eternal peace:
> May the choirs of angels come to greet you.
> May they speed you to paradise.
> May the Lord enfold you in His mercy.
> May you find eternal life.
Another variation of the hymn, known as the "Song of Farewell," was composed by English composer Ernest (Ernie) Sands. This version includes additional verses that reflect on the comfort and strength found in the Lord:
> The Lord is my light and my help;
> It is He who protects me from harm.
> The Lord is the strength of my days;
> Before whom should I tremble with fear?
The "Song of Farewell" also incorporates a refrain that speaks of the joy and light found beyond earthly existence:
> There is no more night.
> There will be no more sadness, only joy and light, joy and light.
> Lift your eyes beyond the hills and see the dawn.
> There is beautiful mercy in the arms of the holy one.
The "May the Choirs of Angels" hymn and its variations provide a sense of solace and hope during funeral services. They express a wish for the departed soul to be guided and welcomed into paradise, finding peace and eternal life in the presence of angels and the Lord.
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Protection from harm
The Catholic hymn "May the Choirs of Angels" is a song of farewell often used in funeral services. It is based on the Latin liturgy "In Paradisum" ("Into Paradise") from the traditional Requiem Mass, sung as the body is carried out of the church.
The hymn is a plea for divine protection and a safe passage to paradise. The lyrics evoke a sense of comfort and peace, with the angels guiding the departed soul:
> "May the choirs of angels come to greet you. May they speed you to paradise. May the Lord enfold you in His mercy. May you find eternal life."
The theme of protection from harm is central to the hymn's message. The following verse emphasizes this idea:
> "The Lord is my light and my help; It is he who protects me from harm. The Lord is the strength of my days; Before whom should I tremble with fear?"
The hymn offers reassurance that the departed soul is under the watchful eye of angels, who will guide and protect them on their journey to the afterlife. This protection extends beyond physical harm, providing solace and a sense of peace in the face of fear and uncertainty.
The imagery of angels and paradise creates a sense of hope and comfort for those mourning. The hymn's message of protection serves as a reminder of the divine presence watching over the deceased, offering solace to those left behind.
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Speed to paradise
"May the choirs of angels" is a Catholic hymn often used in funeral services, also known as the "Song of Farewell". The hymn is based on the traditional Latin liturgy "In paradisum" ("Into paradise") from the Requiem Mass. It is sung by the choir as the body is carried out of the church.
The lyrics of the hymn include:
> May the choirs of angels come to greet you.
> May they speed you to paradise.
> May the Lord enfold you in His mercy.
> May you find eternal life.
The idea of being "sped to paradise" is a comforting thought, suggesting a swift and smooth journey to the afterlife, guided and protected by angels. This concept is further reinforced in the hymn with references to the Lord's mercy and the promise of eternal life.
The angels are described as a celestial choir, suggesting a heavenly greeting and a joyous welcome into paradise. This imagery offers solace and reassurance during a time of grief and mourning.
The hymn continues with a reflection on the Lord's guidance and protection:
> The Lord is my light and my help;
> It is He who protects me from harm.
> The Lord is the strength of my days;
> Before whom should I tremble with fear?
These verses emphasize the Lord's role as a source of comfort and strength, allaying fears and providing solace during a time of loss.
The "Song of Farewell" serves as a poignant and uplifting tribute, offering hope and reassurance of eternal life and peace in paradise, guided by the angels and enveloped in the Lord's mercy.
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Eternal life
The Catholic hymn "May the Choirs of Angels" is a funeral song, based on the Latin liturgy "In Paradisum" ("Into Paradise") from the traditional Requiem Mass in the Western Church. The text of the "In Paradisum" is sometimes set to music, as in the case of Gabriel Fauré and Maurice Duruflé's Requiem Masses.
The hymn "May the Choirs of Angels" is a prayerful request for angels to guide and protect the soul as they journey to paradise, and it expresses the hope of eternal life. The lyrics are as follows:
> May the choirs of angels come to greet you.
> May they speed you to paradise.
> May the Lord enfold you in His mercy.
> May you find eternal life.
The first line of the hymn, "May the choirs of angels come to greet you," evokes the image of heavenly beings, choirs of angels, descending to welcome and accompany the soul on its journey. The second line, "May they speed you to paradise," expresses the wish for a swift and smooth passage to paradise, a place of bliss and happiness. The third line, "May the Lord enfold you in His mercy," reflects the belief in God's merciful nature, asking for divine compassion and forgiveness. Finally, the fourth line, "May you find eternal life," is a powerful expression of hope and faith in everlasting life beyond death, a central tenet of Christian theology.
The hymn continues with a reflection on the presence and protection of God:
> The Lord is my light and my help;
> It is He who protects me from harm.
> The Lord is the strength of my days;
> Before whom should I tremble with fear?
These lines emphasize the singer's trust in God as a source of guidance, strength, and protection from harm. It acknowledges God as the foundation of courage and a shield against fear.
"May the Choirs of Angels" is a beautiful expression of faith, hope, and comfort, often used in funeral services to honor the deceased and offer solace to the bereaved. It captures the essence of Christian belief in eternal life and the comforting presence of angels during the transition from life to death and beyond.
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Mercy
"May the Choirs of Angels" is a Catholic hymn written by English Roman Catholic priest, composer, and founder member of the St Thomas More Group, Ernest (Ernie) Sands (1949-2016). The song was first published in 1990 and has since become widely used at funerals in both the UK and the US.
The hymn is a prayer for the soul of someone who has passed away, requesting that they be greeted and guided by choirs of angels, and received by martyrs into paradise. The chorus includes the following lines, which encapsulate the theme of mercy:
> "May the choirs of angels come to greet you.
> May they speed you to paradise.
> May the Lord enfold you in His mercy.
> May you find eternal life."
The reference to mercy in these lines reflects the belief in God's merciful nature and the hope that the deceased will be enveloped by His compassion and grace. This idea of divine mercy is a recurring theme in Christian theology and is often associated with forgiveness, compassion, and God's loving kindness towards humanity.
The concept of mercy in the hymn also aligns with the broader Christian understanding of salvation and eternal life. By asking for God's mercy, the hymn expresses the desire for the deceased to be granted forgiveness for their sins and to be welcomed into paradise, where they will find rest and peace.
Additionally, the hymn's mention of mercy highlights the belief in God's protective and nurturing nature. The line "May the Lord enfold you in His mercy" conveys the idea that God, in His mercy, will embrace and shelter the departed soul, providing comfort, solace, and refuge. This imagery of being enfolded in God's mercy reflects a profound trust in His ability to offer solace and assurance during times of grief and loss.
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Frequently asked questions
The hymn is about the choirs or ranks of angels in heaven, and how they greet and guide humans on their way to paradise.
The refrain of the hymn is based on the Latin funeral hymn, 'In Paradisum'. The verses are based on Psalm 27. It was written by English Roman Catholic priest, composer and founder member of the St Thomas More Group, Ernest (Ernie) Sands (1949-2016).
The hymn has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of D, the first few notes are FEFG A E FA G D with accompanying chords D -- A/C# -- D7/C -- G/B.
