This is one of several sets of lyrics to the same melody. In the Catholic Hymnal used in these parts, one can fine a hymn titled "This day God gives Me" using the exact tune as Morning Has Broken. I first heard Morning is broken when a recording was played during the Graduation of my young brother from Brother Rice High School near Detroit. Actually it sounded quite wierd in the middle of the mass, being rather contemporary in nature. I was told at that time that the performer was Cat Stevens, and I had always thought he had adapted the words we know as Morning Has Broken.

The Hymnal referred to above contains the notation "Attributed to St. Patrick, 5th Century." It might also be taken from an ancient hymn known as "St. Patrick's Breastplate."

Keep the Faith.

Jack Hickman