In 1832 Newman had a significant voyage to the Mediterranean, spending time in Malta, Greece, Corfu, Naples and Rome. It was during this journey, becalmed in the Straits of Bonifacio between Corsica and Sardinia, that he wrote "The Pillar of the Cloud" or “Lead Kindly Light”. Newman almost died as a young man, still an Anglican, during these travels. While in recovery he had his first real encounters with Catholics and the Mass. When he was well enough to return to England, he resolved that he would use his renewed strength to enter more deeply into his service of the truth with new vigor.
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Our former music director, Steven Warner, wrote a beautiful song using Newman's poem. It is a favourite amoung our musicians and we hope you enjoy!
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LEAD, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home—
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene—one step enough for me.

I was not ever thus, nor pray’d that Thou
Shouldst lead me on.
I loved to choose and see my path, but now
Lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will: remember not past years.

So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still
Will lead me on,
O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone;
And with the morn those angel faces smile
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.

At Sea. June 16, 1833.
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Musicians: Dominique Cunningham, James Aherne, Katherine Dunn, and Matt Mannion
Music by Steven C. Warner, © 1999, World Library Publications, a division of GIA Publications. All rights reserved.
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newman.nd.edu

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