Saint Augustine said, “He, who sings, prays twice.” Many great opportunities to witness our Faith arise from the arts and especially from music. One such opportunity comes from a song written by Irving Berlin 100 years ago this year: “God Bless America.” This song about a beautiful and beloved land is regarded by many as a second national anthem, and its call to prayer in search of God’s blessing and protection invites us to reflect on the words of the Bishop of Hippo Regius.
At our 14th annual event on May 24, 2018, the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Irving Berlin’s writing of the song “God Bless America.” We are most grateful to “The Goodwill Tenor” and Italian Opera singer Luciano Lamonarca for agreeing to perform this song. As a well-known opera singer of Italian origin, known for his philanthropic initiatives, and living in the United States, he represents the sentiments and feelings that Irving Berlin himself had for our country when he composed this song.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
While the storm clouds gather
Far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance
To a land that’s free
Let us all be grateful
For a land so fair,
As we raise our voices
In a solemn prayer
God bless America
Land that I love
Stand beside her
And guide her
Through the night with the light from above
From the mountains
To the prairies
To the oceans
White with foam
God bless America
My home sweet home
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