5 Catholic Hymns and Songs for Lent
Published March 23, 2021
Lent is a sacred time for Catholics. It’s more than just a time to remember the suffering and death of our savior. It’s also the season of reflection and repentance.
Aside from bible verses, hymns and songs play a huge role in helping us feel the essence of lent. Since the time of the early Christians, songs and hymns have been an essential part of worship. It allows us to convey our praise and connect with God on a more personal level.
During lent, these songs not just let us express our faith. It also helps us repent on the things we’ve done that severed our connection with God and rebuild that relationship again. It is, after all, what lent is about.
Here are 5 popular Catholic hymns and songs for lent:
1. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
by: Johann Sebastian Bach, Hans Leo Hassler
This lenten song was originally written in Latin during the middle ages. It talks about a personal contemplation of Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross.
Lyrics Excerpt:
O sacred Head, now wounded,
with grief and shame weighed down,
Now scornfully surrounded
with thorns, Thine only crown;
O sacred Head, what glory,
what bliss till now was Thine!
Yet, though despised and gory,
I joy to call Thee mine.
Hear the full song here.
2. Be Still My Soul
Original lyrics by: Katharina von Schlegel
Translated into English by: Jane L. Borthwick
Another medieval hymn that was later translated into English, this song is more like a personal reminder. It reminds us to keep the faith even in the darkest and most troubling times.
Lyrics Excerpt:
Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Hear the full song here.
3. Lord Jesus Think On Me
Translated into English by: Allen Chatfield
Like the previous two, this song is derived from a poem written hundreds of years ago. The poem from which the lyrics are derived were originally written in Greek by a 5th-century bishop. The words contain both repentance and a plea for divine grace.
Lyrics Excerpt:
Lord Jesus, think on me
And purge away my sin;
From earthborn passions set me free
And make me pure within.
Lord Jesus, think on me,
With many a care oppressed;
Let me Thy loving servant be
And taste Thy promised rest.
Hear the full song here.
4. On Eagle’s Wings
by: Michael Joncas
This is a classic mass song that was voted 2018’s “holiest hymn” by the US Catholic Magazine’s readers. That speaks about how its lyrics and melody have touched faithfuls for generations.
Lyrics Excerpt:
You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord
Who abide in His shadow for life
Say to the Lord, “My refuge, my rock in whom I trust!”
And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand
Hear the full song here.
5. I Am The Bread of Life
by: Suzanne Toolan
Popular during lent, the words to this song are inspired by John 6:35-39. It tells us that only our faith in God can save us and only in Him we can be saved.
Lyrics Excerpt:
I am the bread of life.
He who comes to me shall not hunger;
he who believes in me shall not thirst.
No one can come to me
unless the Father draw him.
And I will raise him up,
and I will raise him up,
and I will raise him up on the last day.
Hear the full song here.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is a professional writer for the Lay Cistercians blog and a devoted Catholic. She works hard to ensure her work uses accurate facts by cross checking reputable sources.
