Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman wrote a poem to his Guardian Angel, and it is full of Catholic teachings on guardian angels and the Christian way of life.  Beginning with Baptism, the poem continues to the reality of Purgatory, and the glorious entrance into Heaven.  I assigned a hymn tune to the poem, so it can be sung and prayed.

Sheet Music

The Guardian Angel PDF (for printing)

Audio

The Guardian Angel by erin.mcfarland.16

Lyrics

My oldest friend, mine from the hour
When first I drew my breath;
My faithful friend, that shall be mine,
Unfailing till my death.

Thou hast been ever at my side;
My Maker to thy trust
Consigned my soul, what time he framed
The infant child of dust.

Thou wast my sponsor at the font;
And thou, each budding year,
Didst whisper elements of truth
Into my childish ear.

And thou wilt linger round my bed,
When life is ebbing low,
Of doubt, impatience and of gloom,
The jealous sleepless foe.

Mine when I stand before the Judge; 
And mine, if spared to stay
Within the golden furnace till
My sin is burned away.

And mine, O brother of my soul,
When my release shall come;
Thy gentle arms shall lift me then,
Thy wings shall waft me home.

Praised be Jesus Christ Our King, or Hail Redeemer, King Divine is sometimes suggested for use in the Divine Office for the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross on September 14, Palm Sunday, and also for the feast of Christ the King. The text was written by Fr. Patrick Brennen, C.SS.R. (1931-1982) and the music was composed by W.H. Grattan Flood in 1927.

When the Brothers at our chapel sing this with such gusto, it is impossible not to feel inspired to action and loyalty to Christ the King. As a homeschooling mom, I also love the the stanza that begs, “King most holy, King of Truth: guard the lowly, guide the youth.” It makes for a great hymn to start off the school year!

Sheet Music

Sheet music found on Musica Sacra.

Melody only PDF

Audio

Text

Hail Redeemer, King divine!
Priest and Lamb, the throne is thine;
King, whose reign shall never cease,
Prince of everlasting peace.

Refrain:
Angels, saints and nations sing :
“Praised be Jesus Christ our King;
Lord of life, earth, sky and sea,
King of love on Calvary!”

King, whose name creation thrills,
Rule our hearts, our minds, our wills;
Till in peace, each nation rings
With Thy praises, King of kings.

Refrain:
Angels, saints and nations sing :
“Praised be Jesus Christ our King;
Lord of life, earth, sky and sea,
King of love on Calvary!”

King most holy, King of truth,
Guard the lowly, guide the youth;
Christ the King of glory bright,
be to us eternal light.

Refrain:
Angels, saints and nations sing :
“Praised be Jesus Christ our King;
Lord of life, earth, sky and sea,
King of love on Calvary!”

Crimson streams, O King of grace,
drenched thy thorn-crowned head and face;
floods of love’s redeeming tide
tore thy hands, thy feet, Thy side.

Refrain:
Sing all tongues, let none be dumb
“Sacred Heart, Thy Kingdom come!”
To the King of Ages then,
Honour, glory, love. Amen!

OR use this Refrain:
Sing with joy in ev’ry home :
“Christ our King, thy kingdom come!”
To the King of ages, then,
honour, glory, love : Amen!