In preparation for the Bicentenary of the sisters Faithful Companions of Jesus (1820-2020) the Central Leadership Team of the FCJ sisters commissioned a song that would capture the essence of who we are as FCJ women and how God has continued to call women throughout these past 200 years to commit themselves to loving companionship with him in the service of others. It is a song of joy, which, like Mary’s Magnificat, exuberantly expresses thanks for God’s faithfulness and goodness to us, FCJ Sisters, both individually and as a congregation.
The song has been composed by Joanne McCabe with lyrics by Srs Eileen Foley fcJ and Marion Dooley fcJ.
The recording was sung by the Laurel Hill Colaiste FCJ students under the direction of their teacher Orla Colgan. Grace Ní Mhordha is on piano; Sadhbh Ní Laoire is on flute and Fiana Ní Chonaill is on Irish Harp. This recording was produced by Dave Keary of Red Door Productions.
FCJ Celebration Song – Celebrating 200 years of the Faithful companions of Jesus
The Bicentenary of the Sisters Faithful Companions of Jesus is celebrated in 2020. This affords the Sisters an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the founding story of the congregation and in particular the remarkable story of Marie Madeleine d’Houët, the feisty French woman – a woman attuned to the call of God and the needs around her.
One of the founding experiences of Marie Madeleine was the experience of the I Thirst of Jesus Christ from the cross. This, she experienced in a very personal manner, not only as the historical thirst of Christ but as the contemporary thirst of Christ for the well-being of all people throughout the world, in all times, particularly those who are marginalized by society and the status quo.
This experience of the I Thirst is the central motif of the FCJ Celebration Song and is expressed in the image of the river, not just flowing through two centuries and through many countries but also through the hearts and lives of numerous women from different cultural contexts, who, like Marie Madeleine, were inspired to respond with companionship and compassion to all who longed for this water of life. The flowing, life-giving water of this river is the theme that connects all the verses, as it does our FCJ history and our deep desire to respond in companionship.
In 2018, the FCJ Central Leadership Team commissioned a song that would capture the essence of who we are as FCJ women and how God has continued to call women throughout these past 200 years to commit themselves to loving companionship with him in the service of others. It is a song of joy, which, like Mary’s Magnificat, exuberantly expresses thanks for God’s faithfulness and goodness to us, FCJ Sisters, both individually and as a congregation.
It is a story steeped in faith and trust not just for the past but for God’s continuing companionship into the future. Consequently, we are compelled to be women of the Gospel, in the here and now, trusting in God’s faithful love.
FCJ Celebration Song Lyrics
Chorus:
We celebrate with joy
The passion and the fire
In Marie Madeleine’s heart,
Her faith and her desire.
We celebrate with joy
Her trust in God alone,
Companionship and love
Where all can be at home.
1. She heard the thirst of God’s desire
That echoed in her soul,
To share Christ’s love with all the world
To sing His deepest song.
And then emerged a stream of life,
Creating a new course.
Companions came with hopeful hearts
The stream went flowing on.
Chorus
2. The flowing stream grew wide and deep
Embracing many shores.
Refreshing those who longed for life
Who hungered for yet more.
Quenching thirst and comforting
The stranger at the door,
Tending Earth, our Common Home
God’s beauty to restore.
Chorus
3. And still today we hear God’s voice
An echo in our hearts.
Calling from the world’s unrest
For us to play our part.
We journey on in faithfulness,
In love and hope we stand.
To share the Gospel joyfully
Companions hand in hand.
Chorus
Spread God’s word. Share Christ’s love.
Be God’s fire. Go in hope. (x 2)
Chorus
Follow our FCJ Bicentenary (1820-2020) celebrations on the Bicentenary news page or on social media #FCJ200.
