Tis the Month of our Mother (All hail to thee dear Mary)

This is a hymn of devotion to Mary, for May-crowning ceremonies or processions, and for family or small group prayers during the month of May.

The words were written, originally as a poem, by American Roman Catholic poet, author and singer, Eleanor Cecelia Donnelly (1838-1917). It was first published in The Catholic Vocalist in 1860 (ref) - and laster published anonymously in the in Sisters of Notre Dame Sunday School Hymn Book, 1907 (ref) - and many other early to mid 20th century hymn books.

It is set to an unnamed tune by Louis Lambillotte (1796-1855), which the De La Salle Hymnal published in 1913 described as a "French air", and which other sources say was adapted from teh French song C’est le mois de Marie.

Downloads

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Sheet music (full score)

PowerPoint slides

Examples

Solo singer, light keyboard backing:

Small group with light organ accompaniment:

Singer, self-accompanied on organ:

Lyrics

1. 'Tis the month of our Mother
The blessed and beautiful days,
When our lips and our spirits,
are glowing with love and with praise.

Chorus:
All Hail! to thee, dear Mary,
the guardian of our way;
To the fairest of Queens,
Be the fairest of seasons, sweet May.

2. Oh! what peace to her children,
mid sorrows and trials to know,
that the love of their Mother,
Hath ever a solace for woe.

3. And, what joy to the erring,
The sinful and sorrowful soul;
That a trust in her guidance,
will lead to a glorious goal.

4. Let us sing then, rejoicing,
that God hath so honored our race,
as to clothe with our nature,
Sweet Mary, the Mother of Grace.