LiturgyTools.net: Hymns for the feast of St Boniface of Mainz (Meniz)

A selection of free-to-use (ie public domain or copyright-free) English-language hymns and songs for events associated with St Boniface, the patron saint of Germany, whose feast is on 5 June.

They are either based on Boniface himself, the characteristics and themes associated with him (light conquering darkness, cutting down trees), or particularly Germanic.

"Free-to-use" means the words can be copied and sung to at least one tune with no concerns about copyright or performance licensing - sometimes in a limited setting. Many of these hymns are old / traditional - but where possible a variety of styles and genres are included.

About St Boniface

Saint Boniface ( 675-754) was born in the kingdom of Wessex, ie in modern England. Though he was Anglo-Saxon, he was a missionary to the Frankish Empire (present-day Germany and the Netherlands) in the 8th century. He is now known as the patron saint of Germany, the first archbishop of Mainz and the "Apostle of the Germans". He is various credited with introducing the custom of Christmas trees and Advent wreaths, and there are legends about his cutting down trees to make a point while teaching.

Suggested songs and hymns

Be Thou my Vision

Day is Breaking Dawn is bright

Forward be our Watchword - sung to the tune ST BONIFACE

For the Beauty of the Earth

Hark the Voice Eternal - sung to the tune ST BONIFACE

Hence Gloomy Shades which Night-time Brings

How Sweetly Flowed the Gospel Sound

Morning Hymn (Ye clouds and darkness, hosts of night)

Suggestions about hymns that could be included are welcome: leave a comment below, or email editor@LiturgyTools.net