I REJOICED

"I Rejoiced" is a vibrant setting of Psalm 122, capturing the gladness of pilgrims arriving at the house of God. Composed by Bernadette Farrell, this arrangement brings a rhythmic, marching energy to the familiar scriptural text. The verses build a picture of Jerusalem as a city of unity and justice, inviting the congregation to step into the presence of the Lord with eager hearts. It is a natural choice for an Entrance hymn, gathering the people and setting a joyful tone as Mass begins.

What makes this particular arrangement stand out is its soaring "Shalom" refrain. After the verses recount the gathering of the tribes and the prayer for peace within the city's walls, the choir breaks into a rich, harmonised blessing of peace. This repeated invocation of God's justice transforms the psalm from an ancient pilgrim song into a living prayer for the worshipping community today, making it a deeply moving piece for both the choir loft and the pews.