Voice of the Assumption
  • Don9of11Don9of11
    Posts: 876
    Through my work with the Parish Inheritance Project at Mother of Mercy Catholic Hymns, I recently completed a survey exploring how the Feast of the Assumption was celebrated musically in English-speaking parishes from the mid-nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century.

    Across historical hymnals published between 1849 and 1964 in the U.S., England, Ireland, and Scotland research uncovered a remarkably stable corpus of at least twenty recurring hymns dedicated to the Assumption. Staples by composers and editors like Fr. Frederick Faber, Fr. Edward Caswall, and the Sisters of Notre Dame formed a rich, shared devotional memory that unfortunately began to fade from parish life post-Vatican II.

    I’ve put together a detailed write-up examining this historical repertoire, its transition from parish life, and an index of all 20 documented hymns. You can read the full article and explore the companion survey resources here:

    Voice of the Assumption

    https://www.motherofmercycatholichymns.com/the-voice-of-the-assumption/

    I would love to hear your thoughts—did any of these historical texts or tune traditions survive in your local parishes, or have you ever experimented with reviving this traditional Marian corpus?
    Thanked by 1oldhymns
  • oldhymnsoldhymns
    Posts: 280
    Neither my own parish, nor the parish I grew up in, will be doing any of the traditional Marian hymns for the Feast of the Assumption unfortunately. However, a local parish does have the following hymns planned for the vigil Mass later today: O Virgin Mary (ISTE CONFESSOR), Hail Queen of Heaven, the Ocean Star (STELLA), Daily Daily Sing of Mary (ALLE TAGE SING UND SAGE), and Hail Holy Queen. It is wonderful to see such a fine selection.

    The hymn I learned in grammar school, and is still a favorite, that is definitely related to the Feast of the Assumption is Berge's "The Gates of Heaven Unfold Unto Thee." We used to sing it year-round; I guess because we were not in school on August 15. The hymn has certainly been lost to obscurity.

    Few parishes in this area have a vigil Mass anymore, probably because of the shortage of priests.

    Has anyone ever heard of the custom of going into the water on August 15 to receive a blessing from Our Lady? I go into the Atlantic every year on this day. When I was in grammar school (60+ years ago), the nuns would always remind us on the last day of school in June to be sure to "go swimming" on August 15 to receive Mary's special blessing. It was easy for us because the parish is located on a peninsula. I don't believe this Catholic tradition is associated with any particular nationality; yet, many Catholics have never heard of it.
    Thanked by 2davido Don9of11
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