On Eagle's Wings

"On Eagle's Wings" is a devotional Hymn composed by Michael Joncas. Its words are based on Psalm 91,[1] Book of Exodus 19, and Gospel of Matthew 13.[2] Joncas wrote the piece in either 1976[3] or 1979,[1][4] after he and his friend, Douglas Hall, returned from a meal to learn that Hall's father had died of a heart attack.[5] It was recorded in 1979, with Douglas Hall as producer, published by North American Liturgy Resources and later purchased by New Dawn Music, a subsidiary of Oregon Catholic Press. It has become popular as a contemplative hymn at Catholic masses as well as at Protestant services of worship.

For similar terms, see Wings of Eagles (disambiguation).

It is now sung during services of many Christian denominations, including Pentecostal churches, and was performed at many of the funerals of victims of September 11, 2001 attacks. It is often performed either at the beginning or the ending of a Roman Catholic funeral Mass. It has been performed at many internationally broadcast papal Masses, was selected as part of the 2007 funeral Mass for Luciano Pavarotti in Modena, Italy, also broadcast internationally.

Joe Biden referenced and recited the hymn in his presidential victory speech on November 7, 2020. He said the song was important to his family and his deceased son Beau, who died of brain cancer in 2015.[6] Composer Michael Joncas was "honored and humbled." [5]

References
  1. Dela Cruz, Darlene J.M. (December 30, 2013). "Response to 'On Eagle's Wings' over the years humbling for composer". Catholic News Service.
  2. Joncas, Michael. "On Eagle's Wings/En Sus Alas". OCP (Oregon Catholic Press).
  3. "Plaque serves as permanent reminder of origin of beloved hymn 'On Eagle's Wings'". Omaha World-Herald. July 8, 2014.
  4. Dela Cruz, Darlene J.M. (September 13, 2013). "The composers of two much-loved hymns, performing on Oahu this month, explain how the songs came to be". Hawaii Catholic Herald.
  5. ""On Eagle's Wings": The simple origin of the song that makes the world cry". America Magazine. 2017-12-28. Retrieved 2020-11-08.
  6. Subramanian, Courtney. "Biden's faith comes through in speech, quoting Catholic hymn and Bible verse". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2020-11-08.

Further reading
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