This week we have a really exciting episode to bring to you, and its genesis began back in November. We had the chance to interview Steven C. Warner, Associate Director for the Notre Dame Newman Center for Faith and Reason in Dublin, Ireland. While we were talking about Saint John Henry Newman at the time, he mentioned that he could discuss the Catholic Church in Ireland further.
On the week of the Feast of Saint Patrick, we’re here to take him up on that offer. Not only that, Steve was gracious enough to provide two unreleased songs from his upcoming album, “Easter in Ireland”. Today’s episode will feature the world premieres of these two songs! We’ll play them both in their entirety, and for this reason, the episode will be a bit longer than the 20-minute episodes we’ve been doing lately. We think that it’s well worth it. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s episode of song and reflection.
Just one contextual note: Originally this episode was to be recorded in person, which Steve alludes to in this episode, but sadly, my plans fell through. Therefore, I woke up bright and early and spoke to Steven via Skype. Ah, the benefits of technology.
Steven joins us today from his office on St. Stephen’s Green in Dublin, Ireland.
SHOW NOTES
Bio: Steven C. Warner
Steven C. Warner continues to work in ministry and mission for the Catholic Church, via the work of Notre Dame University. Steven began working at Notre Dame University in 1979, serving as a Campus Ministry staff member. He founded the Notre Dame Folk Choir the following year and served there until 2016. In September 2016 he and his wife, Michelle, moved to Dublin, Ireland, where he began working at the Notre Dame Newman Center for Faith & Reason.
Text: “Easter Day”- Gerard Manley Hopkins (Source: US Catholic Online)
Break the box and shed the nard;
Stop not now to count the cost;
Hither bring pearl, opal, sard;
Reck not what the poor have lost;
Upon Christ throw all away:
Know ye, this is Easter Day.
Build His church and deck His shrine,
Empty though it be on earth;
Ye have kept your choicest wine—
Let it flow for heavenly mirth;
Pluck the harp and breathe the horn:
Know ye not 'tis Easter morn?
Gather gladness from the skies;
Take a lesson from the ground;
Flowers do ope their heavenward eyes
And a Spring-time joy have found;
Earth throws Winter's robes away,
Decks herself for Easter Day.
Beauty now for ashes wear,
Perfumes for the garb of woe,
Chaplets for dishevelled hair,
Dances for sad footsteps slow;
Open wide your hearts that they
Let in joy this Easter Day.
Seek God's house in happy throng;
Crowded let His table be;
Mingle praises, prayer, and song,
Singing to the Trinity.
Henceforth let your souls always
Make each morn an Easter Day.
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