We were made to love and be loved
But the price this world demands will cost you far too much
I spent so many lonely years just trying to fit in
Now I've found a place in this circle of friends  

In a circle of friends we have one father
In a circle of friends we share this prayer
That every orphaned soul will know
And all will enter in
To the shelter of this circle of friends

If you weep, I will weep with you
If you sing for joy the rest of us will lift our voices too
But no matter what you feel inside there's no need to pretend
That's the way it is in this circle of friends

In a circle of friends
We have one father
In a circle of friends we share this prayer
That we'll gather together no matter how the highway bends
I will not lose this circle of friends

Among the nations, tribes and tongues we have sisters and brothers
And when we meet in heaven we will recognize each other
With joy so deep and love so sweet
Oh we'll celebrate these friends
And a life that never ends

In a circle of friends
We have one father
In a circle of friends we share this prayer
That it will not be long before
All will enter in
To the shelter of this circle of friends

Nobel Peace Laureate and spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama visited the University of Limerick for a special address on the theme of Forgiveness on Thursday, 14 April 2011. This address was part of an event including music presented by the Ritual Chant Programme at the Irish World Academy, University of Limerick, featuring the children's choir selected from local schools. The event was being organised in conjunction with Children in Crossfire established by Richard Moore, a long-time friend of the Dalai Lama.

The song (written by Kathleen Turner and children from the Limerick Regeneration Project) was given its maiden performance for the Dalai Lama in the auditorium at the University of Limerick.

A Mhuire Mháthair,
'Sé seo mo ghuí
Go maire Íosa
Go deo im’ chroí

Ave Maria, mo ghrá Ave,
Is tusa mo mháthair ‘s máthair Dé

A Mhuire Mháthair,
I rith mo shaoil
Bí liom mar dhídean
ar gach aon bhaol

A Mhuire Mháthair
‘tá lán de ghrást’
Go raibh tú taobh liom
Ar uair mo bháis

When it's all been said and done
There is just one thing that matters
Did I do my best to live for truth?
Did I live my life for you?

When it's all been said and done
All my treasures will mean nothing
Only what I have done
For love's rewards
Will stand the test of time

Lord, your mercy is so great
That you look beyond our weakness
That you found purest gold in miry clay
Turning sinners into saints

I will always sing your praise
Here on earth and in heaven after
For you've joined me at my true home
When it's all been said and done
You're my life when life is gone.