Welcome to my website, SpiritHymns – with thanks to my son Nathan for designing the site! My name is Geri Zanon; I am an octogenarian living in Port Angeles, Washington (USA). This site is for anyone looking for hymns that speak to a spirituality inclusive of all life and reflecting a love of others, especially the marginalized, the poor and the suffering. My hope is to give communities easily singable music that sees the story of Jesus as one of hope and joy for all, even in the face of darkness.

I am a “cradle Catholic”, born and raised with faith and music as dual influences in my life. I started singing in the church choir at age 8, and at 12, I became a summer organist for the church, a job I held through college. After college, I joined the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres; during my eight years with that community, I learned to play the guitar and took on some choir directing and vocal arranging work. After leaving religious life, I married and raised a family, and wherever we lived, I was active with the local parish, directing choirs and serving as a cantor.

In the 1990s, I composed my first original hymn (“Spirit of God”). Composing was slow at first, but as time went on, I began hearing compositions everywhere, rising up like messages from the Spirit – SpiritHymns indeed – and that Spirit has kept me busy ever since. My texts rely on Scripture, poetry, writings from saints and other mystics, along with my own lyrics and texts from other lyricists (included here with their permission). My hope is that you find a hymn or two here that serves your community. If you do, feel free to copy and use them; there is no cost to do so. I only want to make them available, as I believe the Spirit intended.

Email any comments or suggestions to me at gerizanon@gmail.com. Grace and peace to you all!