Holy Virgin by God's Decree

This is a hymn about Mary, the mother of God, which is popular at Lourdes. The words are based on Vierge Sainte, a French-language hymn written by composer, organist, clavecinist and Maître de chapelle of the Lourdes Sanctuary, Jean Paul Lécot (b 1947).

This translation was made in 1988 by English Roman Catholic priest, W Raymond Lawrence (1925-2007). It is sometimes called the New Lourdes Hymn.

Books it has been published in include

Hymns Old and New, (Catholic 2009 - and possibly other editions), Kevin Mayhew Ltd
Celebration Hymnal for Everyone (1994, McCrimmon Publications)

The song is set to a tune written by Paul Décha (1928-1996), which is also used for the hymn When Creation was Begun. It is sometimes called VIERGE, after the French text of the original version. It has a 6/8 time signature, and in the key of F, the first few notes are F GA A BAG F_, with accompanying chords F / Bb.

Image adapted from PxHere - CC0

Downloads

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Examples

Choir with gentle band, words on-screen

Choir with organ at a church service

Choir with backing

Singer with guitar

Singer with keyboard

Instrumental - guitar

Instrumental - piano

Instrumental - keyboard, words on-screen

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

1. Holy Virgin by God’s decree
you were called eternally;
that he could give his Son to our race.
Mary, we praise you, hail full of grace.

Chorus: Ave, Ave, Ave Maria

2 By your faith and loving accord,
as the handmaid of the Lord,
you undertook God’s plan to embrace.
Mary, we thank you, hail full of grace.

3 Joy to God you gave and expressed,
of all women none more blessed,
when in mankind your Son took his place.
Mary, we love you, hail full of grace.

4 Refuge for your children so weak,
sure protection all can seek.
Problems of life you help us to face.
Mary, we trust you, hail full of grace.

5 To our needy world of today,
love and beauty you portray,
showing the path to Christ we must trace.
Mary, our mother, hail full of grace.