Inspired by Psalm 91, Catholic priest and composer Jan Michael Joncas in 1976, wrote the beautiful hymn, "On eagles Wings".

What a beautiful hymn it is! It is widely used in Masses and funerals within the Catholic Church, though it's also popular in many Protestant denominations. It's known for providing comfort, referencing Psalm 91, and has become a significant part of modern Catholic liturgical music.

Composed by Fr. Michael Joncas for a friend's father's funeral, it was published in 1979. It's considered a staple in Catholic services, especially funerals.

The lyrics draw heavily from Psalm 91(e.g., "You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord") and Exodus 19 ("I bore you on eagles' wings"). While rooted in Catholic tradition, its message of hope and comfort, makes it popular across many Christian faiths.

This beautiful hymn is sung by Fr. Michael Joncas himself. Here it is. I hope you'll love it as much as I do. It has truly touched my heart and spirit. What a talent the Lord has given him!



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Born Jan Michael Joncas (born December 21, 1951), he was raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, of Polish descent, eldest of eight children.

Seminary: He attended Nazareth Hall Preparatory Seminary and St. John Vianney Seminary at the University of St. Thomas.

Teaching at the University of St. Thomas, and serving the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis, after being ordained in 1980, he holds advanced degrees from Notre Dame and Rome and has significantly shaped contemporary Catholic worship music.

He has composed over 300 liturgical pieces and numerous collections.

Writings: He has authored several books (including one on his illness) and hundreds of articles on liturgy.

Health & Later Career

He was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome in 2003, leading to temporary paralysis and ongoing nerve pain, which ended his guitar playing, but deepened his spiritual perspective.

He is a regular contributor to “Pray, Tell,” a blog hosted by St. John’s Abbey and Liturgical Press in Collegeville, and recently had a volume of hymn texts accepted for publication by Oregon Catholic Press.

He is working on three books and recently has been traveling to Chicago to record 12 new works of liturgical music that he composed and arranged. He will be singing on some works in the collection, titled “God of All Beginnings."

Retirement: He retired from full-time teaching at St. Thomas in 2022, but continues to preach, write, compose, and contribute to liturgical renewal.