God of the Lee, whose light shaped Fin Barre’s way

1.
God of the Lee, whose light shaped Fin Barre's way,
Where holy wells guard still the break of day,
You sent three angels, watchful at his side—
To guard, to guide, to bless his faithful stride.  

2.
Christ of the city, where the angel stands
In golden splendour, lifting shining hands,
Keep us as Fin Barre kept your truth and grace,
And let your light fall warm on every place.  

3.
Spirit who whispers through the oaks of old,
Who stirs the harbour winds and turns them bold,
Carve in our hearts the truth your saints have known,
And send us forth as light from living stone

Hymn information

First line: God of the Lee, whose light shaped Fin Barre’s way
Text: Michael McFarland Campbell
Metre: 10 10 10 10
Tune: Eventide or Woodlands

Reflection

Fin Barre, the patron of Cork, is remembered as a saint of light, learning, and holy attentiveness. Tradition tells that three angels walked with him—one to guard, one to guide, and one to bless—as he founded his monastery where the River Lee divides and the land becomes a thin place between earth and heaven. His legacy endures in the carved stones and rising spires of the cathedral that bears his name, crowned by the golden angel who still lifts a shining blessing over the city. This hymn asks God to shape us with the same courage, wisdom, and openness to the Spirit that marked Fin Barre’s life, so that we too may become bearers of light in the places we are called to serve.

From A Living Cloud of Irish Witnesses, 2026.

Written as a thanksgiving for the ministry of The Rt Rev Dr Paul Colton, Bishop of Cork, Cloyne & Ross.

Copyright 2026 Michael McFarland Campbell. All rights reserved.