LISTEN to a Hauntingly Beautiful "Emendemus in melius" or "Let us atone" by William Byrd for Lent

LISTEN below to a Hauntingly Beautiful "Emendemus in melius" or "Let us atone," motet by famous English composer William Byrd.  Byrd who was born circa 1540 and died on the 4th of July 1623 was a Renaissance composer who converted to Catholicism during the persecution in England. The lyrics come from a Prayer Responsory for Lent I. Conductor John Rutter Choir; sung by the Cambridge Singers. In the image we see St. Mary Magdalene atoning for her sins before Jesus.

This song is a beautiful reminder of the attitude of atonement for our sins that is necessary during the Lenten season.

See the full Lyrics in Latin with English translation below the video.

   

Lyrics in Latin: Emendemus in melius Quae ignoranter peccavimus, Ne subito praeoccupati die mortis Quaeramus spatium poenitentiae Et invenire non possumus. Attende, Domine, et miserere, Quia peccavimus tibi.
Adjuva nos, Deus salutaris noster, Et propter honorem nominis tui Libera nos.
Translation in English: Let us atone for the sins we have committed in our ignorance; lest, suddenly surprised at the day of our death, we seek time for repentance and cannot find it. Lord, hear us and have mercy, for we have sinned against thee. Help us, O God of our salvation: and according to the honour of thy Name, deliver us.