"May the Road Rise to Meet You"

The text of the traditional "Irish blessing" is well-known and well-loved by generations of Christians from across the cultural spectrum. In this episode, composer Lori True speaks with Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert about her setting of the text in the song "May the Road Rise to Meet You." Lori shares her experience crafting melody, setting blessings, and serving the Church as a female composer of liturgical music. Plus, there is a cameo appearance by Queen Elizabeth II!

So, please open your hymnal to "May the Road Rise to Meet You."

Episode links

For more information about Lori True and her other compositions, visit her composer page at GIA Publications.

You can purchase a copy of the song score and a copy of the original song recording from GIA Publications. While there, you can also purchase copies of Lori's other songs that were referenced in this episode : "I Cry to You", "Let This Be the Time," God Give Us Peace That Lasts," "May the Peace of Christ Be With You (Japanese Blessing)," and "Go Now in Peace." 

You can purchase a piano score and copy of the instrumental recording of "May the Road Rise to Meet You" (arranged and performed by Paul Tate) from GIA Publications. 

You can watch the Cashel Community School choir perform the song for Queen Elizabeth II on her 2011 visit to Ireland on Youtube (the song begins about the 3:11 mark). 

You can find out more about Music Ministry Alive! by visiting the program website.

You can find out more about St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota, the largest Catholic women's college in the country, by visiting their website.

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