One Holy Church of God Appears

Verse 1

One holy Church of God appears Through every age and race, Unwasted by the lapse of years, Unchanged by changing place.

Verse 2

From oldest time, on farthest shores, Beneath the pine or palm, One Unseen Presence she adores, With silence or with psalm.

Verse 3

Her priests are all God's faithful sons, To serve the world raised up; The pure in heart her baptized ones; Love, her communion cup.

Verse 4

The truth is her prophetic gift, The soul her sacred page; And feet on mercy’s errands swift Do make her pilgrimage.

Verse 5

O living Church, thine errand speed; Fulfill thy task sublime; With bread of life earth’s hungers feed; Redeem the evil time!

Verse 6

Amen.