Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
We love because he first loved us. 1 John 1. 19 - 5. 4
I first heard this beautiful chant on a pilgrimage in Ireland in the 1990's. Sitting in a hostel in Glendalough with a large group of women, most of whom I did not know, this chant started and spread around the room. As usual, it was sung in Latin, but we were handed the English translation.
What began as a Gregorian chant that some music scholars believe originated before the formation of the Catholic Mass, "Ubi Caritas" ("Where Charity Is") has evolved into many iterations and compositions. The actual origin of the chant is unknown and ambiguous, although musicologists and researchers believe it was written between 300 and 1100 AD .
The tune we sang was so beautiful, and for years I could not find the chant set to that tune...until I heard the Cape Town Youth Choir singing it. This rendition of the chant brought me back to that holy pilgrimage where I was out of place, out of sorts and in search of the Divine. Though a pilgrimage is meant to be a pilgrim's search for the Divine, I do believe on this trip, the Divine found me...God's face in glory, as the chant says, showed me the charity and love.
Enjoy this beautiful chant, and may it bring you the presence of God in charity and love.
Ubi Caritas Lyrics in English
Love of Christ has gathered us into one.
Let us rejoice in Him and be glad.
Let us fear, and let us love the living God.
And from a sincere heart let us love one.
Where charity and love are, God is there.
At the same time, therefore, are gathered into one:
Lest we be divided in mind, let us beware.
Let evil impulses stop, let controversy cease.
And in the midst of us be Christ our God.
Where charity and love are, God is there.
At the same time we see that with the saints also,
Thy face in glory, O Christ our God:
The joy that is immense and good,
Unto theWorld without end. Amen.
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