Thank you so much for sharing this!

As we move through the month of May, I wanted to share some research I’ve compiled regarding two of the most enduring hymns in the American Catholic tradition: "’Tis the Month of Our Mother" and "Bring Flowers of the Rarest."

Both hymns were pillars of late 19th and mid-20th-century devotional life, yet the stories of their origins—and the figures who championed them—are often overlooked in contemporary discussions of hymnody. I have recently documented their histories as part of my "Hymn of the Month" series and thought they might be of interest to this community of scholars and musicians.

1. ’Tis the Month of Our Mother
This hymn, penned by the prolific Eleanor Cecilia Donnelly, is a fascinating example of the 19th-century Philadelphia Catholic literary scene. It first appeared in The Catholic Vocalist (1860) and later in The Sacred Wreath. My research explores its connection to the first May Devotions in the United States at Georgetown University and the work of Jesuit Fathers Felix Barbelin and Edward Sourin. Interestingly, the melody we consider "traditional" today was composed by the French Jesuit Fr. Louis Lambillotte, known for his work in the restoration of Plain Chant.

Read the full story here

2. Bring Flowers of the Rarest
Perhaps the most iconic "Crowning Hymn," this piece remains a favorite despite being nearly 150 years old. While it is often associated with the St. Basil’s Hymnal, its roots trace back to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in Cincinnati and a mysterious composer named Mary E. Walsh. My write-up looks at the rare early hymnals like May Chimes (1871) and Laudis Corona (1880), as well as Walsh’s secular musical contributions, including the Black Hawk Waltz.

Read the full story here

In these articles, I’ve also included archival recordings from a 1982 May Crowning from St. Mary's in Akron, Ohio. It is my hope that by documenting the history and the "spiritual garden" of these hymns, we can continue to appreciate the rich devotional heritage they represent.

I would be interested to hear if any members have encountered different regional melodies or variations for these texts in your own archival work or parish histories.

We typically use "on this day, O Beautiful Mother", "Maria zu Lieben", Arcadelt's "Ave Maria", and the chanted "Regina Caeli".

This typically covers what we need for crowning.

Procession with Litany of Loreto, all of the Marian antiphons simple tone, Ave Maria plainchant, Hail Holy Queen, Immaculate Mary, O Sanctissima.

In Support of "Bring Flowers of the Rarest"

The claim that "Bring Flowers of the Rarest" is sung two octaves above the range of human hearing is an absurd acoustic exaggeration that falls apart under basic musical analysis. In reality, the melody peaks at an Eb5 on the word "blossoms," a standard congregational note that sits well within the human vocal range. Beyond the physics of the sound, however, is a "vocabulary of love" for the Blessed Mother that has served as the devotional heartbeat of Catholic parishes for over 150 years.

First appearing in hymnals such as May Chimes (1871) and Laudis Corona (1880), this hymn has never been superseded because it speaks to a deep, generational continuity of faith. The true beauty of the piece lies in its invitation to bring "flowers" from our own spiritual gardens—those rare, devout offerings that come straight from the heart. Its most moving line, "How dark without Mary life’s journey would be," reminds us that we are never left orphaned, echoing Christ’s own promise of comfort. To dismiss such a staple of Catholic culture is to overlook a century and a half of prayerful tradition that continues to lead hearts to Christ through His Mother.

In Support of "Bring Flowers of the Rarest"

While personal tastes and experiences vary, the broader data suggests a significant and growing interest in this heritage. In October of 2024, I sought to determine which of my HYMN OF THE MONTH articles were proving most popular, and I have been monitoring that data ever since.

The statistics for 'Bring Flowers of the Rarest' are particularly telling:

May 2025 (Full Month) 323 Ending May 8 period
May 2026 (Mid-Month) 505 Data recorded May 12-13

This is a 56% increase in views, achieved in only half the time compared to last year.

This isn't just a dry statistic; it is living proof of a cultural and spiritual revival. While a critic might try to diminish the hymn's beauty with hyperbolic comments about vocal ranges, the numbers show that hundreds of people are actively seeking it out to enrich their prayer and tradition. Far from being a relic that people aren't 'enthused' by, this hymn remains a preferred choice for many Catholics today."

I programme "Bring Flowers of the rarest" for our crowning, so many of us have grown up with this. Although myself and quite a few others I have spoken to) think the words and the melody are rubbish...

There are so many older and better latin hymns to sing.

This song is definitely the “Gentle Woman” and “Gather Us In” of its day. Popularity often equals of dubious quality.

Don--thank you for sharing the interesting statistics. I wasn't at all surprised that Bring Flowers of the Rarest was #1 both this week and last week. Another very good hymn, with specific references to the May crowning, is #81 in The St. Gregory Hymnal, Hail Virgin, Dearest Mary. There are a few other melodies for this hymn, but I like this one the best.

Thank you, Elizabeth, for letting me know. I had been wondering if you were able to use "Lord, I Give My Life to Thee." I wish I were there to hear it--sounds beautiful!