Vatican Announces Official Hymn for the Year of Mercy

(photo: Register Files)

The Vatican has just introduced the official hymn of the Holy Year Of Mercy.

The title is drawn from John 6:36, Misericordes sicut Pater (English: Be Merciful, As Your Father Is), by English composer Paul Inwood. Inwood's composition was the winner in an international competition sponsored by the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization. The hymn has now been released in Italian, French, and English, with a Latin antiphon and refrains.

Archbishop Rino Fisichella, first Prefect of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, explained in a press conference that the Year of Mercy is intended as an opportunity for the faithful to meet people's “real needs” with concrete assistance, to experience a “true pilgrimage” on foot, and to send “missionaries of mercy” throughout the world to show forgiveness for even the most serious of sins.

Misericordes sicut Pater is the official motto of the Year of Mercy which begins on December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and continues through the Feast of Christ the King, November 20, 2016. You can read the full text at the website for the Year of Mercy.

One member of the committee which selected Inwood's hymn was Monsignor Massimo Palombella, director of the Sistine Chapel Choir. The Sistine Chapel Choir has recorded the hymn, with assistance from Vatican Radio. You can hear their rendition here.

Here’s the English-language version of the hymn as it appears on the official website:

Misericordes sicut Pater! [from Luke 6:36, the official motto of the Jubilee]

1. We give thanks to the Father, for he is good  [from Psalm 135:6]
in aeternum mercy eius
He created the world with wisdom
in aeternum mercy eius
He leads his people in history
in aeternum mercy eius
He forgives and welcomes His children [from Luke 15]
in aeternum mercy eius

2. Let us give thanks to the Son, Light of the nations
in aeternum mercy eius
He loved us with a heart of flesh [from John 15:12]
in aeternum mercy eius
we receive from Him, to Him we give ourselves
in aeternum mercy eius
the heart to open to those who hunger and thirst [from Matthew 25,31ss]
in aeternum mercy eius

Misericordes sicut Pater!
Misericordes sicut Pater!

3. We ask the Spirit the seven holy gifts
in aeternum mercy eius
source of all good, sweet relief
in aeternum mercy eius
comforted by Him, offer comfort [from John 15: 26-27]
in aeternum mercy eius
I love hopes and endures all things [from 1 Cor 13.7]
in aeternum mercy eius

4. We call for peace to the God of all peace
in aeternum mercy eius
the earth awaits the gospel of the Kingdom [from Matthew 24,14]
in aeternum mercy eius
grace and joy to those who love and forgive
in aeternum mercy eius
will be the new heavens and the earth [from Revelation 21.1]
in aeternum mercy eius

Misericordes sicut Pater!