The Saint-du-jour was born in London in 1818 and after university was ordained to the Priesthood in 1842. At a personal level he exhibited traits often considered "saintly," especially gentleness, good humour, modesty, devotion, and generosity to a fault. All that despite besetting physical issues.
His contributions at the theological/ecclesiological level were quite significant. He strongly supported the Oxford Movement. calling the Church back to full Catholic faith and practice. In his enlightened recognition that the suppression of religious orders had been a mistake, he founded the Sisterhood of Saint Margaret to serve the needs of suffering girls and women.
At the liturgical level, he was a prolific translator of ancient Latin and Greek hymns, doing more than thirty such compositions into English. He also composed many fresh hymns which we sing including the three we sing today at University Village: Christ is Made the Sure Foundation; Of the Father's Love Begotten; and All Glory, Laud and Honour, translated from Latin and typically sung during the Palm Sunday procession in our churches.
Neale's Christmas music is also well known, as, for example, Good Christian Men, Rejoice; Come Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain; and Creator of the Stars of Night. On Good Friday, our congregation will intone Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle after the traditional Latin form, Pange Lingua Gloriosae.
Thanks be to God for the faith, devotion, and dedication of John Mason Neale in reviving the life of the Anglican Church and enhancing her liturgy.
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