Only Remembered

"Only Remembered" is a deeply moving hymn that turns our thoughts toward the legacy we leave behind. With words originally penned by Horatius Bonar, this piece reflects on the fleeting nature of human life—comparing our days to the fading "stars of the morning" that lose their light in the rising sun. It is a gentle but profound reminder that long after we are gone, the true measure of our time on earth will be the good works and the faith we shared.

In the choir loft, this hymn is most often brought out for funerals and memorial Masses. Singing it requires a tender, reflective approach, allowing the congregation to absorb the weight of the lyrics. The refrain, with its repeating echo of "Only remember'd by what we have done," serves as both a comfort to those mourning a loved one and a quiet challenge to the living. It shifts the focus from sorrow to the enduring fruits of a life well-lived.

As a recessional hymn, it sends the faithful out into the world with a renewed sense of purpose. The final verse looks forward to the day when the Saviour gathers His faithful disciples, offering a beautiful vision of heavenly reward. It is a staple in many Nigerian parishes, offering a solemn, harmonious close to the liturgy that lingers in the heart long after the final note is sung.