The Song of Farewell

Familiar music can be a potent part of the funeral rites. We sing together to ease our grief and strengthen our hope in the resurrection. We console one another in the faith of the risen Lord, Jesus Christ. I would like to examine a unique component of the funeral liturgy: the Song of Farewell.

The Song of Farewell sits within the Final Commendation which comes at the end of the Catholic funeral in a church or chapel. It is the third part of the Funeral Mass (not to be mistaken for the Concluding Rites of the Mass) coming after the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. In a funeral liturgy outside Mass, it follows the Liturgy of the Word with the General Intercessions and Lord’s Prayer.

The Final Commendation begins with an invitation to prayer, and then all pray in silence. The silence even has its own heading, which suggests it should be substantial, allowing mourners time for their own prayerful reflection. From this moment of unified stillness, the Song of Farewell emerges.

In this song, we entrust our loved one to the Lord. We majestically call upon the saints and angels to meet our deceased brother or sister and present this person to God. Receive his / her soul and present him / her to God the Most High. The song is the climax of the Final Commendation and Farewell. It is sung collectively by the assembly to affirm our hope and trust in the paschal mystery and to take our leave of the person who has died. It may be accompanied by the sprinkling of water in remembrance of baptism and the use of incense as a sign of respect.

It is very disappointing to attend a funeral where these words are spoken and not sung. The title gives us the biggest clue! It is a song and we do not speak the words of a song. The introduction to the Order of Christian Funerals makes it explicit: Music is integral to the funeral rites. It allows the community to express convictions and feelings that words alone may fail to convey. It has the power to console and uplift the mourners and to strengthen the unity of the assembly in faith and love (OCF 30).

Music ministers can guide presiders and families into appropriate repertoire choices for this element.  A cantor and organist may lead a simple refrain response, or confidently present the first verse of a hymn. The Order of Christian Funerals offers seven alternative texts which expands the options and allows for a variety of music settings.  These alternatives are rarely used but warrant exploration (see OCF 403). Some of these alternative texts are well known and some of the imagery is strong.

I know that my Redeemer lives: on the last day I shall rise again and in my flesh I shall see God.

You knew me, Lord, before I was born. You shaped me into your image and likeness.

Grant your servant rest, a haven of pardon and peace.

Deliver me, Lord, from the streets of darkness.

These alternatives are not exhaustive: the rubrics also allow that some other song may be sung. But this is not the place to insert a ‘favourite song’ or other miscellaneous piece of music. The sentiments of the Song of Farewell must be preserved. However it does mean that we have a wealth of material at our disposal. Here are some examples:

1. ‘I Know That My Redeemer Lives’, Scott Soper, As One Voice (Vol II) no. 34. This is highly recommended for its accurate text setting and beautiful melodic writing. The simple response enables any congregation to participate without previous experience of the work.
2. ‘Song of Farewell’, Ernest Sands, Gather Australia no. 238. A tuneful and easily learnt verse/chorus hymn, popular in many parishes.
3. ‘The Hand of God Shall Hold You’, Marty Haugen, published by GIA (print or download), uses the In Paradisum text and is strongly melodic.
4. ‘Saints of God’, Phillip Duffy, Gather Australia, no. 240. This is essentially a plainchant setting and needs a strong cantor, but the refrain is simple and easily repeated.
5. ‘Farewell’, text by Michael Thwaites, set to the FINLANDIA tune of Sibelius, Gather Australia no. 237. This tune would be recognised by many in the wider community.
6. ‘Saints of God’, setting by Dennis Smolarski of the OLD HUNDREDTH hymn tune, known by many Christian denominations, and available from OCP. Journeysongs no. 137.
7. ‘Song of Farewell’, Steven Janco, published by GIA (print or download), would require a competent cantor but is a beautiful setting with congregational responses throughout.
8. Fans of Dan Schutte may like to use ‘Saints of God’ published by OCP, but apart from an excellent refrain, it is essentially a Litany of Saints.

Image Attribution - The Assumption of the Virgin, Botticini, National Gallery London