A Blessed Birthday for the Blessed

Today would have been the 91st birthday of Blessed John Paul II.  Today also marked the day that our diocese designated as the date for the Mass of  Thanksgiving for Blessed John Paul II. 

I had the privilege of going  Mass at my father's parish this evening.  Lamentably, I had to leave right after Mass due to a canine emergency back home; however, I am grateful to my father's pastor for allowing me to sing this hymn in honor of the new Blessed:

It was written by someone named "Kathy" who posted it on the Musica Sacra forum and gave the readers permission to use it.

Staff of a shepherd for the faithful; heart of a father for the poor
Jesus was in him, and the Spirit, for the uplifting of the world
“Be not afraid!” a voice was calling, “Lay down your lives in sacrifice!”
“Be not afraid!” the sound re-echoes, “Open the doors to Jesus Christ!”

Long may his legacy of courage guide us in paths of good and right.
Angels of God, come forth to lead him into the mysteries of light.
There Mary reigns, the Queen of Heaven; there Lazarus is poor no more.
Be not afraid, O Holy Father! Enter the mercy of the Lord.

To the tune of Father, We Thank Thee Who Hast Planted (Rendez a Dieu)

Given John Paul's status as Blessed, I did have to  make an edit to the text:

Staff of a shepherd for the faithful; heart of a father for the poor
Jesus was in him, and the Spirit, for the uplifting of the world
“Be not afraid!” a voice was calling, “Lay down your lives in sacrifice!”
“Be not afraid!” the sound re-echoes, “Open the doors to Jesus Christ!”

Long may his legacy of courage guide us in paths of good and right.
Angels of God, hail the new Blessed, resound the heavens with thy might.
There Mary reigns, the Queen of Heaven; there Lazarus is poor no more.
Be not afraid, O Holy Father! Rejoice in heaven with the Lord!

"Kathy" put a lot of work into this hymn.  She managed to weave Blessed John Paul's familiar words into a solid piece, using a familiar, dignified tune.  Actually, perhaps it is no coincidence that she set the hymn to "Father, We Thank Thee Who Has Planted", as the second verse speaks of the Church, from all lands, being gathered into one.  This is certainly what Blessed John Paul II tried to do in all of his travels.