Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity share ” Ah, See Within the Manger, a poem written by Sister Richard Fitzpatrick. Sister Richard was born in 1871 in Shullsburgh, Wsiconsin. She wrote the lyrics for a song composed by Sister Mildred Rivers. (Next Christmas we hope to record the song.)
Here’s another brief poem Sister Richard left the Community when she was dying:
“All my Sisters, far and near, a parting message hear from me. Cherish our Convent Home so dear, and to her ever loyal be.”
Sister Richard died in 1911 at the age of 40, 20 years professed.
Ah, See within the Manger
Ah, see within the manger 
Among rude beasts he lies.
Whose hand almighty moulded
The earth, the sea, the skies
Helpless child!
God of might!
Heaven’s King!
We Thee adore.
The stable cold and cheerless
Scant shelter scarce affords
To him who is our Savior,
The great Incarnate Word.
His tiny form is trembling,
Chilled by the wintry blast;
And on His Virgin Mother,
His tearful glance is cast.
She weeps to see Him suffer
Her own, her gentle Son;
And yet her heart rejoices
That He to earth has come.
Ah, Jesus, dearest Jesus,
Thy lowly Infancy,
Thy poverty, Thy meekness,
Sweet lessons are to me.
Then grant, dear Infant Saviour,
That the lessons all divine
Thou teachest from the manger
May guide each act of mine.
Article Comments:
Sister Anne Marie Lom 12/23/2024 @ 9:56 pm
I love the poem by Sister Richard and the composition of Sister Mildred. It is a touchstone of the Christmas season as we sing it each year! Thank you so much for sharing this with a wider audience. I look forward to hearing the recording!