St Birinus' Carol

The following carol was sung at the Birinus Pilgrimage Service in Dorchester Abbey on Sunday, 3rd July 2005

(Tune: Greensleaves)

Birinus holy, touched by grace,
in him th’enabling Spirit moved
and to our heathen land he came
for love of God who first us loved.

Saint, bishop, patron true,
for bringing Christ we honour you.
Lest from His paths we stray
O guide us on our pilgrim way.

Milan’s Asterius laid his hands
upon the benedictine’s head,
a bishop made in Peter's line
the first apostles to succeed.

Sent by Honorius' decree
endued with power and grace and zeal
he faithful to our Lord's command,
to ’Go to teach, baptise and heal.'

He carried always at his side
that keepsake which he treasured most,
a gift of purest linen fair,
therein the Sacramental Host.

At length on Britain's pagan shores
in Wessex near the river Thame,
he taught how God had sent the Son,
his wayward peoples to reclaim.

To Cynegils and all his kin
Birinus preached the gospel word
and helped by Oswald’s fervent prayer,
the Saxon tribe confessed the Lord.

Birinus helps us by his prayers
to heed the urging gospel call
and nourished by Christ's body here
to show and live His life for all.

All glory be to God on high,
heaven and sea and earth adore,
who in His angels and His saints
is blesséd now and evermore.
B D Heffer © 2005