A hymn by Fr Faber, suitable to times of trouble

The Blogosphere is buzzing with rumours about a document expected from Rome on the Traditional Mass. Will it help, or hinder? Encourage others, or drive us all back into the catacombs? Is this the start of a new Golden Age, or is the End upon us.

The best advice, as always, is "to hope, to pray, and don't worry." And to resolve to act in accordance with our consciences, informed and enlightened by the Faith which does not pass away.

For we put not our trust in princes, or in any work of man - even bishops (considered as men, rather than their office, of course). For our trust is in the Lord, and His Immaculate Mother; sure in the promise that the gates of Hell will not prevail, even when it appears that they already have!

1. O purest of creatures!
Sweet mother, sweet maid;
the one spotless womb
wherein Jesus was laid.
Dark night hath come down
on us, mother, and we
look out for thy shining,
sweet star of the sea.

2. Deep night hath come down on
this rough-spoken world.
And the banners of darkness
are boldly unfurled;
and the tempest-tossed Church,
all her eyes are on thee.
They look to thy shining,
sweet star of the sea.

3. He gazed on thy soul,
it was spotless and fair;
for the empire of sin,
it had never been there;
none ever had owned thee,
dear mother, but he,
and he blessed thy clear shining,
sweet star of the sea.

4. Earth gave him one lodging;
‘twas deep in thy breast,
and God found a home where
the sinner finds rest,
his home and his hiding-place,
both were in thee;
he was won by thy shining,
sweet star of the sea.

5. Oh, blissful and calm
was the wonderful rest
that thou gavest thy God
in thy virginal breast;
for the heaven he left
he found heaven in thee,
and he shone in thy shining,
sweet star of the sea.