Matt Gray, the music director of Immaculate Parish in Owensboro, is seen at the piano on Sept. 15, 2024, during the parish’s Mass of Dedication following a renovation project. In honor of the Jubilee of St. Francis, Gray was commissioned to write the song “The Quiet Way”, which was debuted at the Diocese of Owensboro’s Chrism Mass on March 31, 2026. ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD | WKC

The story behind the ‘St. Francis song’ for Chrism Mass 2026

BY ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD, THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC

An Owensboro parish music director, commissioned to write a song in honor of the Jubilee of St. Francis, hopes his composition will help the faithful reflect on their own journeys of ongoing conversion.

“I wanted the melody to be easily sung, to be something people would remember; a melody that sticks in people’s heads,” said Matt Gray, who is the music director at Immaculate Parish in Owensboro, and whose song about St. Francis, “The Quiet Way,” debuted at the Chrism Mass on March 31, 2026.

The Jubilee of St. Francis this year was proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV, on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi in 1226. The jubilee will last from Jan. 10, 2026 through Jan. 10, 2027.

“The Quiet Way” was sung by the choir during the Preparation of the Gifts at the Chrism Mass, and the refrain was included in worship aids so the faithful could also sing along.

Gray said he had been invited by diocesan music director, Heather Greene, to consider writing a song for the jubilee if he had the time. Gray agreed and began reflecting on the composition even before Lent began.

Gray realized he was not familiar with the finer details of St. Francis’s life and decided to write “a little book report” about the founder of the Franciscan order.

The choir practices before the start of Chrism Mass in the Diocese of Owensboro on March 31, 2026, at the Owensboro Sportscenter. RILEY GREIF | WKC

“Pretty much after his major conversion, he heard God’s voice asking him to ‘rebuild my Church’ and from that point on, he lived his life opposite to society,” Gray said he learned about St. Francis, who was known for shunning his family’s earthly riches and embracing poverty and humility.

Then, “I let it sit for a while,” said Gray.

“The melody came first,” he said, adding that the first line that came to him was “peace in a time of war” – which then became the first line of the song.

Gray said the lyrics incorporate opposing concepts, such as “healing” and “ill,” “hope” and division,” “humility” and “power,” and “trust” and fear.”

“In all the research I did, it kept coming up how reserved and humble and quiet he was – but he made such an impact on those around him,” said Gray, who was moved by how Francis was “not only a leader in the Church, but also to have lived a whole conversion experience” in so short a time, since St. Francis died in his 40s.

Gray said the themes of peace, while relevant to today’s struggles of conflict and war, were not intended to be about any specific situation.

“There’s always some sort of conflict,” he said, explaining that. “I think it’s relevant to any time in history – and so, more reflective on personal growth,” hoping that those who experience the song might “look deeper in themselves and see the conversion we need.”

Gray, who has written a number of responsorial psalm arrangements for liturgies at Immaculate Parish, in addition to other pieces, said he truly believes that “composing for the Catholic Church has to be inspired by the Holy Spirit.”

This particular songwriting experience was “very special, very unique for this jubilee,” he said.

“It was an opportunity, and an honor,” said Gray. “The goal is that it will touch more hearts.”

The Quiet Way

Peace in a time of war

Healing in a time of ill

Hope in a time of division

Love in a time of pain

Poverty in a time of greed

Humility in a time of power

Trust in a time of fear;

Let my life reflect the love of Christ.

Verse 1:

Let my works be known before my words

Let my heart move before my mouth

Let my hands reach out beyond myself

Let my feet walk only to You, O my God.

Verse 2:

Lord, help me live this day

In the stillness of Your peace,

So that I may lean on your strength,

And trust the unfolding of Your will, for me

Bridge:

If my words should fail:

Let my actions preach the Gospel, the ways of Jesus.

Verse 3:

When my time on Earth has ended,

I take nothing I have received;

But only that which You have given

A heart enriched with service and love. 

 

©Copyright 2026 Matthew Gray. Lyrics reprinted with permission.

Originally printed in the May 2026 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.