As part of my series on Catholic hymns, I chose a hymn written by one of America’s most prolific writers who is best known for hymns honoring the Sacred Heart, a contributor to numerous Catholic magazines and newspapers, and often characterized as The Poet of the Pure Soul. Please take a few minutes to read about this hymn writers contributions to Catholic music.
Thanks, Don9of11, for your research on this wonderful hymn and its composer, Eleanor Donnelly. You have made a great contribution to the history of American Catholic hymnody through your research. Even though I am very familiar with Eleanor Donnelly's fine Sacred Heart hymns and her well-known hymn to Our Lady of Good Counsel, I had no idea she composed "Daughter of a Mighty Father." This is one of my favorite hymns and an ideal hymn for the upcoming May processions.
Several years ago I had the opportunity to visit the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield, Illinois. Above the main altar in this fine church is a reproduction of the famous Murillo painting of the Immaculate Conception and above that, carved in gold, are the words "Macula Non Est in Te."
Thank you everyone for you kind comments. I came across a number of wonderful resources doing my research and I tried to include as many as I could in my write-up. There is a parish in Philadelphia, PA., St. Francis de Sales that has a special connection to Eleanor Donnelly. It is a very interesting story which you might like to read.
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