Introduction-A GIRL OF LOVE
A Girl of Love is inspired by the life and spirituality of Mary, Mother of God. It is my hope that through the eyes of Mary, others might find the love, joy and comfort that Mary found through trust and faith in God. May we, through the intercession of Mary, come to know and love Jesus her son.
Lyric Notes
Lyric notes can be used to unpack songs with students to allow the life and faith of Mary, Mother of God inspire deeper connections with God and each other.
A Girl Of Love
Written in 2001, A Girl of Love was my first attempt at song writing. I was seeking to capture the nature of Mary through the events of her life. This is a song of celebration and intersession. It is through Mary that we come to know and love her Son Jesus.
Peace Begins With A Smile
Inspired by the wisdom of St Teresa of Calcutta, Peace Begins with a Smile was written for Mother Teresa Primary School, at the time the majority of their students were in Prep and Year One. It is a way to use St Teresa’s wisdom to extend friendship and build relationships. This is a great addition to the establishment phase of a school year when nurturing a spirit of welcome.
A Certain Kinda Walk
Make your life a prayer. And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus [1 Thessalonians 5:17-18]. The wisdom of St Paul is captured in the feeling of this song. Mary lived her life as a prayer. God was her constant companion and guide. It helped her to live in trust and faith in God’s providence. A Certain Kinda Walk is a celebration of faith and living life as a prayer.
Mary Star Of The Sea
Mary Star of the Sea was written for Star of the Sea Primary School in 2021. It celebrates Mary as the Guiding Light by which to view our actions and relationships. It invites Mary to share her wisdom so that we too can know and love her Son Jesus. This song celebrates Mary and highlights the titles of Mary in the Catholic tradition.
Then Sings My Soul
Then Sings My Soul is another celebration of a deep connection with God. Mary’s faith moved her to praise God in song. This is a song of praise. It recognises the relational nature of God and highlights the joyous feeling of living as one with God. We are invited to share and celebrate this way of being with each other in song.
A Song in My Heart
Inspired by the joyful nature of children, A Song in my Heart is just that, a feeling of immense happiness and contentment that comes with faith in God. It is a song to celebrate and praise God in song and dance. Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance…Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! [Ps 150:3-6]
Mercy Kids
Mercy Kids was written in 2019, to reflect the Mercy Charism. It highlights Jesus witness this as he shows love for the poor and acknowledges the good works of St Vincent de Paul, Catherine McAuley* and the Sisters of Mercy*as role models. It invites the faithful to answer God’s call to reach out to the poor and vulnerable through Spiritual and Corporal Acts of Mercy.
*The words Sisters of Mercy and Catherine McAuley used with permission: Trustees of the Sisters of Mercy 2023.
I Will Walk With You
I Will Walk With You tells of Jesus death and resurrection through the eyes of his mother, Mary. It acknowledges a mothers grief and highlights Mary’s trust and faith in God in a time of deep sadness. It took on a special meaning to me as I prayed the Rosary beside my father as he died. It is intended to be used when reflecting on the Sorrowful Mysteries, Stations of the Cross or with children as a reflection in Holy Week. This song does not leave Jesus in the tomb but celebrates hope and joy in the Resurrection.
God You Are A Wonder
Mary seemed to keep her faith close to her heart. Scripture tell us that in times when others saw God’s glory in Jesus, she reflected, pondered, wondered, and treasured these things in her heart. It invites the listener to notice and acknowledge the goodness of God working through us and others, with awe.
In The Name Of The Father
As the title suggests, this is the Sign of the Cross. A simple prayer, that celebrates and names the fundamental Catholic belief in an active, relational God known as the Holy Trinity. It is intended to use when intentionally teaching the Sign of the Cross to children and can be used as a simple beginning and ending to prayer or liturgy.
Be Still And know
This song is inspired by Psalm 46:10 NRSVCE as used as a breath prayer. It is intended to use when intentionally teaching contemplative prayer. The instrumental verse allows one to sit quietly with God, while the verses help focus the listener in prayer.
Trinity Song (Song of St Patrick)
This tribute to St Patrick’s teaching on a Trinitarian God was written to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. The joyful nature of the chorus evokes a little Irish jig, while the verses teach of each person in the Holy Trinity and the relational nature of God. [The Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church 261,262,263,266,267]
Walking In
The Light
Celebrating the
Luminous Mysteries
The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary were introduced in 2002 and explained in the Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae by Pope John Paul II. Also known as the Mysteries of Light, they highlight five significant events in Jesus’ life, each revealing the true nature of Jesus as the Christ. .. I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life [Jn 8:12].
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Walking in the Light reflects on each of these moments in Jesus life though the words of those present as recorded in scripture. The chorus represents the ten Hail Mary’s in a decade of the Rosary used as a mantra to focus on each mystery. Originally there were seven verses to this song but given that it is written to teach children about the Luminous Mysteries, events have been paired between each chorus to reduce the length of the song. Catechists might like to lead an exploration of the scriptural passages that reveal the divine nature of Jesus.