Fransiscan Founders Hymn

Notes

Franciscan Founders: This hymn was commissioned by Brother Christopher John Masters for the Order to use when celebrating their founders.

Suggested tune: St Peter, Reinagle, (A&MR 13).

Please press the red title to hear a MIDI recording of this tune, and then re-open this window to read the poem while listening.

If you would prefer to follow the tune and text on paper you may download a PDF file of this hymn.

For permission to perform or reproduce this hymn, or for enquiries regarding the purchase of 'Hymns For All Seasons', please contact Jocelyn.

We sing the praise of Founders all
who toiled without reward;
their lives lived in simplicity,
their model Christ the Lord.

As brothers, sisters called to serve
they answered Christ's clear call
to live his gospel, pray and preach
and raise up those who fall.

They served the least, the lost, the last
and shunned all worldly praise;
sufficient that they wore the cross
St Francis bore always.

Franciscans all, we strive to be
examples of his life.
We take a vow of poverty,
refuse dissension, strife.

We walk the road with all we meet,
the poor, the homeless, weak,
we give them hope, we share their pain
and listen when they speak.

We show them Christ, his love for all,
who understands their needs.
St Francis followed where Christ led -
a sower planting seeds.

May we in turn take up the cross.
tread where our Founders trod,
pursue the goal of holiness,
the way that leads to God.