my attempted 6.5 6.5 versification of the Lourdes Hymn, based on this English translation
1. O blest Virgin Mary,
To Lourdes on this day
Come Christians returning,
As to you they pray— R/
2. The base of the rock
Glows with light warm and mild;
The Lady approaches
And beckons the child. R/
3. "Please come with your friends,
Fifteen times visit here;
Then open your hearts.
That my voice you may hear." R/
4. Three times spoke Our Lady
With much urgency:
To all she says, "Penance."
O Christian, take heed! R/
5. Come, drink from this fountain
Of pure water blest;
In holy ablutions
Go, wash, be refreshed. R/
6. "I wish, at the foot of
These mountains, there be
A crowd in procession,
Belovèd by me. R/
7. "I ask that a chapel
Be built in this place,
Reminding all people
To seek the Lord's face." R/
8. For Mary has visited
Us eighteen times;
The child who has seen her
Has faith most sublime. R/
9. The grotto grants peace
When one comes here to pray;
And Mary spreads graces
To all here this day. R/
10. We witness the fountain
That never runs dry;
And crowds without ceasing
Are e'er passing by. R/
11. Teach us to obey
All the grace we receive;
May we be converted
And come to believe. R/
12. May God grant the sinner
Forgiveness of sin;
May grace of the Savior
Enlighten all men. R/
13. O dear Blessèd Mother,
At our final hour
Please pray for us sinners
To Christ, Our Savior. R/
To participate in the discussions on Catholic church music, sign in or register as a forum member, The forum is a project of the Church Music Association of America.