The Southern Cross | February 2025

A group of Australian composers has turned their creative energy toward a new musical horizon and crafted hymns and songs for the Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee Year.

The result is the Pilgrims of Hope Music Collection for Parishes & Schools, a groundbreaking anthology featuring 10 original compositions that blend traditional sacred music with contemporary Australian voices.

The Adelaide Archdiocese’s Lauren Bierer co-wrote the headline piece, Hope in Love, which was released by Willow Publishing on February 2.

Monica O’Brien, founder and director of Willow Publishing, says the collection embodies Pope Francis’ vision that ‘the joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus,’ offering fresh musical expressions of faith that resonate across generations and cultures.

“In what started as a largely organic process of conversation, collaboration and dialogue about music for the Church, a number of composers discerned a need for something fresh that would reflect a ‘pilgrim journey’,” she said.

“The collection’s strength lies in its diversity and accessibility. From a jubilant anthem that echoes through cathedral spaces to contemporary arrangements that engage young worshippers, each piece has been crafted with congregational singing in mind.”

The varied musical styles include a universal chant, liturgical songs for different moments in the Mass, and contemporary compositions that speak to younger people.

Of particular significance is a powerful song that acknowledges and honours Australia’s First Nations peoples, weaving together our shared spiritual journey on this ancient land. This piece reflects Pope Francis’ call to “walk together, to care for one another, and to share our different cultural riches.”

The lyrics throughout the collection are carefully aligned with the themes of the Jubilee Year; exploring hope, renewal and communal joy.

Monica says Pilgrims of Hope Music Collection for Parishes & Schools offers something for every setting and occasion. The arrangements are designed to be adaptable, allowing both skilled musicians and developing music ministries to bring these songs to life in liturgical celebrations, school Masses or community gatherings.

Meanwhile, as part of the Jubilee of Artists from February 15-18, Catholics are being invited to reflect on the importance of art.

The National Liturgical Architecture and Art Council – an expert advisory body to the Bishops Commission for Liturgy of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference – has issued an ‘Invitation to Artists’ document which appeals to artists to take inspiration from God to ‘offer us the possibility of entering more deeply into the meaning and purpose of all that exists’.
It says art “changes our perspective, our way of seeing the world.”

Bishops’ delegate to the council, Bishop of Toowoomba Ken Howell, encouraged parishes to engage more closely with artists and architects, and for artists to read and reflect on the invitation.

“Art is at its best when it is prophetic and brings inspiration,” Bishop Howell said.

“We should be harnessing the gifts and insights of our artists in our worshipping communities, to better lead people to praise and worship God.”

Canberra iconographer Sue Orchison said artists who are welcomed into the life of a parish can contribute to the beauty of the liturgy and liturgical space by use of their unique and rich gifts.
“In many ways, art can play a part in helping to break open the Word as each artist brings colour and beauty to the visual encounter,” Sue said.

“Works of art provoke conversation, and provide a space for meditation, a place to stop and ponder, to ask a question or just to sit and soak in the peace.

“Art draws us beyond words, beyond ourselves to hope and dream. It touches the part of us that yearns to understand the mystery of life.”

She said she delighted in working with parishes “to express a glimpse of the love of God”.

The music book can be ordered via willowpublishing.com.au and the Invitation to Artists can be found at art.catholic.org.au