SOUL OF MY SAVIOUR

"Soul of My Saviour" is one of those deeply reverent hymns that immediately quiets the church when the choir begins to sing. Set to the familiar, stirring melody by W. J. Maher, it is a translation of the ancient Anima Christi prayer. The words draw us directly into the mystery of the Eucharist, asking Christ to sanctify, wash, and hide us within His wounds.

We almost always sing this during Communion. As the congregation approaches the altar, the steady, prayerful harmony of the verses gives everyone a moment to reflect on the Body and Blood they are receiving. The progression from asking for spiritual cleansing in the first verse to praying for final perseverance in the last makes it a complete spiritual journey for the singer and the listener alike.

For a choir, the strength of this piece lies in its solemn phrasing and the gentle rise and fall of the four parts. It does not need to be rushed or sung too loudly; the power is in the quiet intensity of the lyrics. When we reach the final lines, asking to praise Him with the saints forever, it leaves a lingering sense of peace in the sanctuary.