Jan Michael Joncas (born December 21, 1951) is a Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, liturgical theologian, and composer of contemporary Catholic music best known for his hymn "On Eagle's Wings".

Biography

Joncas was raised in Minneapolis, of Polish descent, attending Nazareth Hall Preparatory Seminary and St. John Vianney Seminary at the University of St. Thomas, earning a bachelor's degree in English there in 1975. Joncas composed the hymn he is best known for, "On Eagle's Wings", following the death of a friend's father in the late 1970s. It has since been quoted by Joe Biden and covered by Lana Del Rey. He received a Master of Arts degree in liturgy from the University of Notre Dame in 1978 and went on to study at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute in Rome, earning both his licentiate and doctorate degrees there. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 31, 1980, by Archbishop John Roach. Following this, he taught at the University of St. Thomas, at the University of Notre Dame, and summer courses at the Saint John's School of Theology, also serving as a weekend assistant at parishes throughout the Archdiocese. In 2003, Joncas was diagnosed with Guillain–Barré syndrome after noticing he lacked the strength to elevate the chalice at Mass. The residual effects of the disorder still prevent him from playing guitar, the instrument on which he composed "On Eagle's Wings". In 2022, Joncas retired from active ministry and teaching but intends to keep writing music.

Discography

Published works