“Most Highly Favored Lady”

A Marian carol for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception

A show of hands—who heard “Immaculate Mary” sung at Mass today for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception? A lovely hymn, and I certainly won’t knock it—but this traditional Basque carol is what always plays in my head on just about every Marian feast day. On the eve of the second Sunday of Advent, it is particularly appropriate!

Here’s a glorious version, sung by the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge:

Another lovely rendition of this hymn can be found on “Advent at Ephesus”, released last month by the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles. If you haven’t heard this album yet, you really should; it is meditative, stirring, at times haunting—perfect Advent listening that doesn’t jump the gun on any Christmas hymns.


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About Catherine Harmon 577 Articles
Catherine Harmon is managing editor of Catholic World Report.