Veneration of the Cross - Good Friday 2020

For the veneration of the Cross this year, with the current restrictions, we did not kiss the Cross. Instead, observing social distancing, sisters came up individually and venerated the Cross by genuflecting or bowing and observing a moment of prayer for all who are suffering and for whom Christ died.

The sisters sang ‘Pierced Saviour’ by Sue Furlong as this was taking place. Sue was a gifted Irish composer, whose music we love. She died prematurely two years ago, after an heroic battle with cancer.

The background to Pierced Saviour

This hymn has always had a special place in our hearts and we always sing it on Good Friday.
In fact the hymn became a collaboration between our community and Sue. The original version had only 3 verses and we found it short for our ceremonies, having to repeat the verses.

After some time, Sr’s Anthony and Colette were inspired to compose 3 further verses and we sang this extended version for many years.

However, as time went on, we felt that we should tell Sue about these verses. We had never had any contact with her, so it was with some trepidation that we contacted her to let her know, fearing that if she did not like them, we couldn’t continue to use them.

To our great joy, we received a lovely letter from her saying that she now felt the song was complete. This joint version is the one that is available on her website.

Pierced Saviour
Pierced Saviour, Pierced Saviour, hanging on a tree so bare.
Who could measure love so boundless? Who could give a gift so rare?

Pierced Saviour, Pierced Saviour, on Your head a crown of thorns
Ever faithful, loving Jesus, even when we looked with scorn.

Pierced Saviour, Pierced Saviour, water streaming from Your side.
May we drink from Your great fountain, may we in Your heart abide.

Pierced Saviour, Pierced Saviour, by Your cross Your mother stands
Praying as You give Your spirit into Your own Father’s hands.

Pierced Saviour, Pierced Saviour, Your great mercy no bounds knew.
Ask You Father to forgive us, for we know not what we do.

Pierced Saviour, Pierced Saviour, while the soldiers throw their dice,
We with trust in Your great mercy claim the prize of paradise.

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