Showing posts with label Welsh Folk Song. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Welsh Folk Song. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 02, 2010

A Prayer for All Souls

This lovely, simple Welsh song of grief and hope asks for rest for one soul but on this day I think it can serve to ask that all souls of those we love may rest in peace.



Myn Mair - O Mary

My pennorth* I'll offer for a soul in prison,
My candle I'll offer in the church in the vale,
The Mass I'll pray earnestly, seven times seven,
To save his immortal soul.
O Mary, O Mary.

St. Paul and St. Peter, all the saints of heaven,
And Mary, God's Mother, plead strongly,
That he may have peace and dear liberty,
Paradise open, and the arms of his Father.
O Mary, O Mary.

Mother of Jesus, the fairest of earth's women,
Maidenly Queen of all of the heavens,
Lovely lily of the valley, worthy rose of heaven,
Intercede in fervour for the soul of my friend.
O Mary, O Mary.

*pennyworth

In most Latin cultures this is known as the Day of the Dead but I have always preferred the more gentle sound of the English tradition of calling it All Soul's Day.

For Ryan, Deb, Steven, Frank, Susan, Albert and Isabella and those we still hold dear in hearts and minds if not in our arms.

02 novembre - La Commemorazione dei defunti