This hymn was written as a prayer of thanksgiving for clergy, and especially for Fr Turlough Baxter on his birthday. It is rooted in County Longford—in its fields, waters, and remembered paths—because faith and ministry are always lived somewhere, not in the abstract.

For me, writing within metre and tune is a way of thinking and praying: pattern steadies the mind, repetition holds meaning, and place-names anchor belief in what is known and familiar. Set to the Rouen melody (“Christ the fair glory of the holy angels”), this hymn reflects on quiet faithfulness, care offered day by day, and Christ’s abiding presence among ordinary lives.

I offer it here in gratitude, and in trust that Christ still walks our fields and roads, always with us.

Christ walks our fields by priests and people today

Christ walks our fields by priests and people today,
By Shannon’s slow reach and the callows in May;
Bearing the light of dawn on every way—
Christ with us always.

Called from the hearth-fires near the turlough’s still breath,
Shaped by wide skies and the long pull of our faith,
Sent to the flock with a hope stronger than death—
Christ leads them always.

Keepers of stories held deep in the land here,
From Clonmacnoise echoes of prayer drawing near,
Blessing the poor and all those the world deems least—
Christ speaks with mercy.

When storms sweep in from Lough Ree’s broad restless side,
Still they stand firm where the old pathways divide;
Bearing the cross with courage quiet and tried—
Christ strengthens always.

Spirit who stirs in rushes, bog-cotton, flame,
Guide them through fields where the saints named your dear Name;
Keep them in love till all our life-days are claimed—
Christ stays with us still.

Hymn information

First line: Christ walks our fields by priests and people today,
Text: Michael McFarland Campbell
Metre: 11.11.11.5
Tune: Rouen
Scripture References: Psalm 23; 78:70–72; Isaiah 40:11; 52:7; 61:1–3; Jeremiah 3:15; Ezekiel 34:11–16; Micah 6:8; Matthew 5:3–12; 9:35–38; 25:34–40; 28:18–20; Mark 6:34; Luke 4:18–19; 10:1–9; John 10:1–18; 20:21–23; 21:15–17; Acts 20:28; 2 Corinthians 4:5–7; Ephesians 4:11–13; 1 Timothy 4:12–16; Hebrews 13:20–21; 1 Peter 5:1–4.

© 2026 Michael McFarland Campbell. Permission granted for local church use with attribution. Not for commercial reproduction without permission.

Dedication

Written as a thanksgiving for the ministry of Fr Turlough Baxter on his birthday.