The text of the Magnificat, or the Canticle of Mary, is taken directly from Luke 1 46:55. The words were spoken by Mary, pregnant with Jesus, to her cousin Elizabeth, pregnant with the child that would become John the Baptist. … More Magnificat
This session, led by the lovely Marion, began with a beautiful piece of music. We sat quietly listening, relaxing and letting our thoughts subside … More Creative Prayer for Lent #3 – Music
It is often said that no parents should outlive their children. However this hymn, sung as a duet, tells of the sorrows of Mary in her vigil at the foot of Jesus’ cross. Deeply moving, the words of the first movement are … More “Stabat Mater Dolorosa”, Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (1710-1736)
Simeon spent his whole life waiting. At last, Jesus’ parents took him to the temple to be presented as a new born baby. Simeon took Him in his arms and knew that his long wait was over … More Song of Simeon, or Nunc Dimittis
This article first appeared in the parish magazine in February 2014.
I thoroughly enjoy my time at Sunday School Singing Practice each week … More Love The Lord Your God (Mark and Helen Johnson)
This article first appeared in the January 2014 issue of our parish magazine.
“Song of the Wise Men” is a Puerto Rican traditional folk carol. I think I discovered it two Christmases ago at St Margaret’s and fell in love with it … More “Song of the Wise Men” (trad., arr. Bullard b.1947)
This article first appeared in the January 2017 issues of our parish magazine.
Quite possibly my all time favourite Christmas carol, “O Holy Night” never fails to give me tingles down my spine … More O Holy Night: Cappeau (1808-1877) and Adams (1803-1856)
In our parish we usually mark the first Sunday in December with a Christingle service. For me, this is one of the highlights of the year. There is something magical about candlelight, and Christingle candles are particularly special … More Hope of Heaven
There was no sermon this morning. Instead the children of our Sunday School retold the Christmas story for us, in words and songs. You can watch the video … More Christmas Nativity
An abridged version of this article first appeared in the November issue of our parish magazine. Here it is in full. Perhaps one of music’s most infamous compositions is John Cage’s 1952 piece, 4’33” (pronounced Four Minutes Thirty Three Seconds, or more simply, Four-Thirty Three) … More The Sound of Silence
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 