Lucien Deiss, C.S.Sp., well-known composer of many of the better modern Psalm-based and Scripture-based responsories, such as "All the Earth Proclaim the Lord", "Keep in Mind", and "Grant to Us, O Lord", died yesterday.
This obituary was posted on one message board by an official from World Library Publications, the copyright holder of most of Fr. Deiss' work, and was forwarded to another message board that I frequent:
On Tuesday, October 9, 2007, Reverend Lucien Deiss, C.S.Sp., celebrated what he often referred to as "the most joyful day of my life' in returning home to be with his Lord. His funeral will be celebrated on Saturday, October 13at Seminaire des Missiones in Larue, France.
Best known to Roman Catholics in the U.S. through his scriptural songs such as "All the Earth", "Keep in Mind", and "Grant to Us, O Lord", Fr. Deiss was also widely known in Europe and the United States as a scholar in the fields of Sacred Scripture and Patristics. He was selected by Pope Paul VI to coordinate the Lectionary psalter following the Second Vatican Council. His "Biblical Hymns and Psalms" was the first significant way that millions of Catholics in the U.S. came to sing the Word of God and treasure it in their hearts. For this he was given an honorary Doctorate in Sacred Music from Duquesne University. A tireless advocate of the reforms of Vatican II, Fr. Deiss continually encouraged those who worked in liturgical reform in this country to remain fervent in prayer to the Holy Spirit, and he dedicated much of his life to liturgical catechesis through workshops and the well-known "Deiss days" sponsored by WLP (then World Library of Sacred Music). He was, above all, a man of prayer, dedicated to the celebration of the Eucharist, and was always filled with a gentle and loving humor.
We at WLP mourn the passing of Fr. Deiss, and share in his joy as he lives and sings for all ages in the eternal light of his Risen Savior.
"Keep in mind that Jesus Christ has died for us and is risen from the dead.
He is our saving Lord. He is joy for all ages!
Peace,
BMP
1 comment:
What a loss for the Church.
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