Upon the Rock of Peter” is a beautiful hymn text written by Harry Hagan, OSB in 2005 to commemorate the death of Pope St. John Paul II and the elevation or Pope Benedict XVI. Its timeless message in honor of the Holy Father makes it appropriate to use whenever a new Pope is elected or needs prayerful support. To celebrate the election of Pope Leo XIV, OCP presents this new choral arrangement of Fr. Hagan’s text set to the familiar and stately hymn tune AURELIA, masterfully arranged by Craig Kingsbury. Richly scored while maintaining congregational accessibility, it offers various choral textures over its five verses, featuring a lyrical descant that soars above the final stanza. The organ and trumpet parts provide a dignified, majestic accompaniment that underscores the strength of the text—especially in the concluding doxology. Included are assembly and hymn versions, making it an ideal choice for Masses and prayer services in honor of or in support of the Pope.
