The popular hymn O God Beyond All Praising is unique in this series for a couple of reasons. First, it is truly one of the great English language hymns. Secondly, it is what could be called a modern classic with the original lyrics written in 1982. 

It also takes a bit of a twist before it can be called a Catholic hymn. As stated above, it is an English hymn. Not just in language, but in origin. The hymn itself, originated in England and developed in stages. It is set to the famous English tune Thaxted which has deep patriotic ties for the English people. Thaxted was composed by Gustav Holst as part of an orchestral arrangement entitled “The Planets”. For this reason, the tune is filled with rich symphonic qualities that set it apart from most other hymns. In 1921, the tune was adapted to fit the poem “I Vow to Thee, My Country”. As such, the tune resonates deeply with the people of England and invokes patriotic devotion. 

Seeking to tap into this deep ardor, English hymn writer Michael Perry wrote the original lyrics of “O God Beyond All Praising” in order to adapt the tune for worship. However, Michael Perry was an ordained clergy in the Church of England. As such, the original version is actually a prominent Anglican hymn. 

So, What Makes This Hymn Catholic?

Here comes the Catholic twist.  In 1996, Richard Proulx requested and received permission to add an additional stanza in order to adapt the hymn for use in the Roman Catholic liturgy. This stanza is essential in making the hymn truly “Catholic”. Whereas the original lyrics focus on the faith of the individual believer, Proulx’s addition shifts the focus to the communal nature of the church (especially the liturgy and particularly the Eucharist). 

As one can see (below), Proulx lyrics transition from individual acts of worship (praising, singing, wonder, and waiting) to sacramental actions (loving presence, heav’nly banquet, precious Body, and going forth in echo of the final mass blessing). Thus, Proulx’s verse captures the “participatory” essence of Catholicism in which we participate in the divine nature of God through the sacraments. The catechism expresses it in this manner “The fruit of the sacramental life is that the Spirit of adoption makes the faithful partakers in the divine nature by uniting them in a living union with the only Son, the Savior.” (CCC 1129) 

Likewise, it places the Eucharist as the central focus. “The Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian life." "The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch."” (CCC 1324)

Finally, Proulx’s verse enacts the Catholic Mass. First, gathering us together in the church (temple) to hear God’s word (liturgy of the word) and then sharing in the “heav’nly banquet” (liturgy of the Eucharist). Finally, Proulx bids us to go forth in final blessing just as the priest does during the dismissal at Mass. As such, Proulx’s verse makes this a truly Catholic hymn by immersing us in the liturgy, the essence of divine worship for a Catholic. 

Original Lyrics by Michael Perry

O God beyond all praising, we worship you today
And sing the love amazing that songs cannot repay;
For we can only wonder at ev'ry gift you send,
At blessings without number and mercies without end.
We lift our hearts before you and wait upon your word;
We honor and adore you, our great and mighty Lord. 

Additional Lyrics by Richard Proulx

O God, we are your people, we follow in your way

And know your loving presence, creating each new day

This building is your temple, we come to hear your word

To share the heav’nly banquet, Your precious body, Lord

And go from here rejoicing, to all the gospel bring

To serve each other in your name, proclaiming you are King.