A Catholic Land

Bring Flowers of The Rarest

Bring Flowers of the Rarest.

Marian Hymn written by Mary E Walsh, a pupil of The Sisters of Notre Dame. Also known (and published as) “The Crowning Hymn.” Published as the “Crowning Hymn” in the Wreath of Mary 1871.

Bring flowers of the rarest
bring blossoms the fairest,
from garden and woodland and hillside and dale;
our full hearts are swelling,
our glad hearts are telling
the praise of the loveliest flower of the vale!

refrain: O Mary! We crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May,
O Mary! We crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May.

Our voices ascending,
in harmony blending,
Oh! Thus may our hearts turn
Dear Mother to thee;
Oh! Thus may we prove thee
How truly we love thee,
How dark without Mary
Life's journey would be.

refrain: O Mary! We crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May,
O Mary! We crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May.

O Virgin most tender,
Our homage we render,
Thy love and protection,
Sweet Mother, to win;
In danger defend us,
in sorrow befriend us,
And shield our hearts
From contagion and sin.

refrain: O Mary! We crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May,
O Mary! We crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May.

Of Mothers the dearest,
Oh, wilt thou be nearest,
When life with temptation
is darkly replete?
Forsake us, O never!
Our hearts be they ever
As pure as the lilies
We lay at thy feet.

refrain: O Mary! We crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May,
O Mary! We crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May.