All the faithful are invited to view the new music video for “Our Guiding Star, Mater Ecclesiae,” the hymn co-written by Beverly McDevitt, Director of Music for Cathedral and Diocesan Choirs, and Father Matthew Kuna, Chaplain of St. Christopher Catholic Newman Center, Kutztown, and Berks Catholic High School, Reading, in honor of the 65th Anniversary of the Diocese of Allentown.
In response to Bishop Alfred Schlert’s call for the 65th Anniversary to be a “Marian year,” Father Kuna and McDevitt agreed to honor the Blessed Mother with a hymn. Father Kuna wrote the lyrics, and McDevitt composed the music.
The hymn was performed for the first time at the Chrism Mass on April 1 and has since become a staple at Diocesan anniversary events.
“Composing the piece was an amazing experience,” McDevitt said. “We wanted to dedicate this piece to Mary, Mother of the Church, our Patroness. I started with the refrain, as did Father. We met many times to collaborate — to ensure that his lyrics were set to a singable melody, a melody that reflected the lyrics about Our Mother in all the facets of her holy life.”
“We were reflecting on the places where Our Lady has shown herself in Scripture and in the life of the Church as our mother and teacher,” Father Kuna said.
The co-writers agreed that their collaboration was a beautiful experience, centered on their mission to honor Mary.
“Each word and each note was carefully considered by both of us,” McDevitt said. “As Father's lyrics took shape, so did the melody. And then I added the harmonies and the accompaniment and the instrumental parts.”
Father Kuna added: “We did a lot of work to make it prayerfully and theologically reflective of what we’re celebrating this anniversary year.”
Both writers considered it an honor to work with each other, especially on the topic of the Blessed Mother.
“I have always looked at Father as a Marian priest,” McDevitt said. “His love for Our Lady has inspired me to compose other music for Mary. Combining our talents in this endeavor was a dream for me.”
Father Kuna agreed. “Bev McDevitt is one of the most faithful, but also talented, ecclesial musicians that I’ve ever met. She’s deeply gifted in musical composition … but she also loves Our Lord. She loves the Blessed Mother, and she loves the Church…. There wasn’t a moment when she was focused on anything other than this hymn being a beautiful gift for our local Church of Allentown.”
Bishop Schlert confirmed that “this hymn is the perfect tribute to Mary, Mother of the Church, our Diocesan Patroness. In this Eucharistic and Marian year, I hope that the faithful of the Diocese are inspired to spend more time with the Blessed Mother when they sing and reflect upon this hymn.”
“The hymn is about the moments of Mary's life, where she said ‘yes’ to Our Lord: The Annunciation, at the foot of the Cross, with the Apostles at Pentecost, and now as Mother of our Church,” explained McDevitt. “And it shows how that ‘yes’ in these moments of her life teaches all of us to say yes to Our Lord, with courage, with surrender, and with faith.”
“I hope it helps the people of God in the Diocese of Allentown to see how Mary has faithfully been guiding us, truly as our guiding star,” said Father Kuna.
Performing in the music video are members of the choirs at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown: Paula Gabriel, Donna Yasenchok, Cindy Kelly, Linda MacGill, Greg MacGill, Dennis Varley, and Mike Welsh. Father Kuna also sings in the video, along with James Langan and Jackie Ortiz from Allentown Central Catholic High School, and Emily Schearer and Maria Pascuzzi from Berks Catholic High School, Reading. McDevitt plays the piano.
The hymn lyrics are as follows:
Refrain:
Mary, our Guiding Star! O Salve Mater Ecclesiae!
Mary, our Guiding Star! O Salve Mater Ecclesiae!
Verse 1: The Annunciation
At Gabriel’s word, your Vocation was born:
the place where God was welcomed.
May our “Amen” echo your “Let it be.”
Teach us to receive.
Verse 2: The Foot of the Cross
Atop Calvary’s Hill, Blood and Water poured out
from His Most Merciful Heart.
Your heart was pierced, yet you stood anchored in faith:
Teach us to surrender.
Verse 3: Pentecost
In that dark Upper Room, you prayed and consoled
these Apostles, now your sons.
From there they were sent, preaching His Name:
Teach us not to be afraid.
Verse 4: Today
Mary, who you are, the Church is called to be.
Draw us to the Altar of Your Son.
Protect us, embolden us, show us the Way:
Teach us, Blessed Mother of the Church!
Header image: Still shot from “Mater Ecclesiae” video.
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