Music for the Vigil for Peace

Pope Leo XVI has invited us to join him in prayer for peace on Saturday, April 11. Here we offer some selections that would be appropriate for any prayer services for peace.

Apr 08, 2026

Pope Leo XIV has announced a special prayer vigil for peace to be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Amidst rising tensions and war in the Middle East, the Pope is urging the world to combat indifference and pray for peace in conflict regions.

Below are some recent releases and legacy selections from our catalog that would be appropriate for services of peace.

Only Love

This text was inspired by the writings of Martin Luther King Jr. The setting by Mark Miller builds tension through the first phrases referring to violence and hatred, leading to a dramatic catharsis as we sing about love as the only way to break the cycles that bind us. -Adam Tice.

0:00

-3:00

Preview/Purchase

We Light a Candle

David Bjorlin writes, “In her lovely prayer, ‘Lighting a Candle,’ Ruth Burgess calls the action both ‘an act of defiance’ and ‘a prayer for courage.’ Using these ideas, Bjorlin has created a stirring text for peace that connects candle lighting to how we should live in an often violent and unjust world.

0:00

-1:43

Preview/Purchase

Maria, Regina Pacis

“Maria, Regina Pacis” is a litany commissioned by Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church in the St. Louis suburbs for its 100th anniversary. The verses draw from Scriptural accounts of Mary’s life to connect to contemporary themes of exile, suffering, and accompaniment. -Christian Cosas

0:00

-6:29

Preview/Purchase

Lord, Make Me an Instrument

This is a moving setting of the prayer of St. Francis by the excellent composer M. Roger Holland II. This gospel version is meaningful and very well written. This moving setting also has a full orchestration available.

0:00

-1:02

Preview/Purchase

Will the Circle Be Unbroken?

“Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” borrows its title from the well-known folk song. The words of this composition are inspired by current events while composed in the spirit of many of the laments in the Book of Psalms. The first two verses are questions, mourning the use of Christian faith as a justification for violence of any kind. The third verse expresses the belief that God’s ways are not our ways; the only words and food of freedom are those from God. It would be especially appropriate to use this piece at prayer services for peace and justice. -Tony Alonso

0:00

-3:14

Preview/Purchase

Revolution of Tenderness

Inspired by the writings of Pope Francis, Encounter takes us to the front lines of God’s field hospital, calling us to a revolution of tenderness in a world desperate for healing, wholeness and hope.

0:00

-8:10