Sound the Bell of Holy Freedom

This hymn was written by Roman Catholic priest Fr Andrew Ciferni (b 1942) O.Praem (Norbertine), as the official hymn for the World Meeting of the Families in 2015.

With meter 87.87.87, it is set to a tune PHILADELPHIA, composed for the hymn by American musician and composer Normand Gouin (b 1970).

The text uses a number of motifs associated with Philadelphia, the city where the meeting is held, and from the life of the Holy Family.

Downloads

 
An arrangement for SATB choir

• Printed scores
• Downloadable 

Examples

The official recording - extended visual version, choir with organ backing

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright, so cannot be reproduced here. They are currently available on this website.

But a rough outline is:

1 Sound the bell of holy freedom; Call all nations ...

2 David branch from root of Jesse, Mary that vine’s ...

3 Blessed Joseph, spouse of Mary, ...

4 Jesus, youth in low’ly Naz’reth, ...

5 At the cross, a grieving mother, ...

6 Sound the bell of holy freedom; ... In the Spirit make us one.