Graduation Hymn/Alma Mater
  • magistraelizabeth
    Posts: 8
    Need help selecting an appropriate hymn for our school graduation! We are a newish Catholic hybrid school named after St. Ambrose - who (as you know) was one of the fathers of hymnology. I thought this would be kind of easy, but I'm stumped. I searched to find what St. Ambrose University uses for an Alma mater song, but didn't love it for us - too specific to their school. Can you think of a hymn that would be perfect to use for combined K and 8th graduation in May? Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
    Thanked by 1Anna_Bendiksen
  • Liam
    Posts: 5,471
    Well, I am no expert, but why should that prevent beginning the responses?

    The category of "Ambrosian hymns" is large, though how many of them have their ultimate source in St Ambrose hymself ... varies. They tend to be . . . direct? . . . in expression and set in iambic tetrameter - think Long Meter (8.8.8.8.) for tunes with which to pair texts.

    As for themes: hymns to the Holy Spirit and general hymns of praise are often most suitable to academic celebrations. You can consider if you want your text to be in Latin or English: Latin might be fine for the students - especially if they are to be the primary singers - but might not engage others attending the graduation for whom the event is a one-time experience. That's a valid pastoral consideration in your choice.

    You could have a wealth of text options depending on whether you care or not so much if a given text has a strong likely ultimate author in St Ambrose. Here's a text that seems likely to be so - I would classify it as a general hymn of praise, though strictly speaking it's a vesperal hymn (Ambrosian hymn texts frequently pair with the Liturgy of the Hours), but vesperal texts admit of the character of farewells, and graduation celebrations partake of a certain farewell quality:

    https://hymnary.org/text/o_trinity_of_blessed_light

    You could go to town choosing a tune with which to pair it if you don't choose a chant.
    Thanked by 1CHGiffen
  • Anna_BendiksenAnna_Bendiksen
    Posts: 271
    Hi magistraelizabeth. Personally, I would think something that the adults already know would make a lasting impression upon the children, for which reason I would put forth:

    Faith of our fathers
    Holy God, we praise Thy Name
    Holy, holy, holy
    Thanked by 2Liam CHGiffen
  • liampmcdonough
    Posts: 327
    I use "O Jesus I Have Promised (to serve thee to the end)" a lot for Baccalaureate Masses.

    You could write an alma mater.
    Alternatively, you might consider a school wide contest to write a verse for St Ambrose to add to a well known hymn. If you received an exceptional contribution, you could spin that into an alma mater. For instance, to the tune of GROSSER GOTT:

    Great Saint Ambrose, guide us now
    Though this vale of tears and sorrow
    Help us gain that undimmed Light
    Earth today, but Heav'n tomorrow!
    ||:Christ, by faith, with charity,
    Win for us the victory! :||
    Thanked by 1Roborgelmeister
  • oldhymnsoldhymns
    Posts: 261
    I think Liam's suggestion of using an Ambrosian hymn for graduation is a good one. The Ambrosian-style hymn that comes to mind is "With Christ," and it is attached (2 pages).

    Another very appropriate hymn for graduation is "Lord, I Give My Life to Thee" by Louis Berge. The music for this is also attached. You will see an * on this copy next to the word "life," which makes it appropriate for many occasions: graduation, confirmation, and even weddings. The original, however, used the word "youth," which makes it especially appropriate for graduation.
    Lord_I_Give_My_Life_to_Thee.pdf
    155K
    WithChrist_Ambrosian_page 1_000493.jpg
    4958 x 6874 - 2M
    WithChrist_Ambrosian_page 2_000494.jpg
    4958 x 6874 - 2M
    Thanked by 1CHGiffen
  • magistraelizabeth
    Posts: 8
    You guys are the best - thanks for all of these wonderful suggestions!
  • SponsaChristi
    Posts: 613
    I would choose a good strong hymn that has stood the test of time and will continue to stand the test of time. Something that rises to the dignity of the Mass. Choose it, and then keep it as the closing hymn of all school Masses as fitting as possible (obviously, if it has Alleluias in it you can’t sing it during Lent.

    My high school used Lead Me Lord for every school Mass including our graduation Mass.
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