A hymn sung, two takes, by a visiting Brazilian younger Franciscan brother. Beautifully done during the offering at St Paul Shrine during a weekday Mass.  The brother accompanied his voice with guitar. Nicely done.  Nice to feel the energy of young men emboldened by the active/contemplative life of a consecrated Catholic religious vocation. This first take is from a pop culture master, classic rock-n-roll maestro Van Morrison. The second I admire for the absence of individuality, the emptiness of personality while demonstrating fullness in authenticity and sincerity–a lack of regard for greatness opting for worship–becoming less in order to become more–the embracing of the sanctuary,altar, tabernacle (reposed Eucharist), and Crucifixion as images to be adored.

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.