Plasmator Hominis Deus / Hominis Superne Conditor

Fresco in the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo - Courtesy of Wikipedia

Plasmator Hominis Deus is attributed to St. Gregory the Great (540-604).  In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644), it was altered and changed to Hominis Superne Conditor. Both versions are shown below. It is sung at Friday Vespers in the Roman Breviary.


Performed by Giovanni Vianini

PLASMATOR HOMINIS DEUS by St. Gregory the Great
Listen

1. Plasmator hominis, Deus,
qui cuncta solus ordinans,
humum iubes producere
reptantis et ferae genus:

2. Qui magna rerum corpora,
dictu iubentis vivida,
ut serviant per ordinem
subdens dedisti homini: 

3. Repelle a servis tuis,
quicquid per immunditiam,
aut moribus se suggerit,
aut actibus se interserit.

4. Da gaudiorum praemia,
da gratiarum munera:
dissolve litis vincula,
astringe pacis foedera.

5. Praesta, Pater piissime,
Patrique compar Unice,
cum Spiritu Paraclito
regnans per omne saeculum. Amen


HOMINIS SUPERNE CONDITOR (1632 Revision)

1. Hominis superne Conditor,
qui cuncta solus ordinans,
humum iubes producere
reptantis et ferae genus:

2. Et magna rerum corpora,
dictu iubentis vivida,
per temporum certas vices
obtemperare servulis:

3. Repelle, quod cupidinis
ciente vi nos impetit,
aut moribus se suggerit,
aut actibus se interserit.

4. Da gaudiorum praemia,
da gratiarum munera:
dissolve litis vincula,
astringe pacis foedera.

5. Praesta, Pater piissime,
Patrique compar Unice,
cum Spiritu Paraclito
regnans per omne saeculum. Amen

Aeterna Caeli Gloria

Eternal Glory of Heaven, Blessed Hope

Aeterna Caeli Gloria is an anonymous 5th century Ambrosian hymn. In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644), it was altered and changed to Aeterna Caeli Gloria (1632). Both versions are shown below. It is sung at Friday Lauds in the Roman Breviary.

AETERNA CAELI GLORIA
Listen

1. Aeterna caeli gloria,
beata spes mortalium,
celsi Parentis Unice
castaeque proles Virginis.

2. Da dexteram surgentibus,
exsurgat et mens sobria
flagrans et in laudem Dei
grates rependat debitas.

3. Ortus refulget lucifer
ipsamque lucem nuntiat,
cadit caligo noctium,
lux sancta nos illuminet,

4. Manensque nostris sensibus
noctem repellat saeculi
omnique fine temporis
purgata servet pectora. 

5. Quaesita iam primum fides
radicet altis sensibus,
secunda spes congaudeat;
tunc maior exstat caritas.

6. Sit, Christe, rex piisime,
tibi Patrique gloria
cum Spiritu Paraclito,
in sempiterna saecula. Amen.


AETERNA CAELI GLORIA (1632 Revision)

1. Aeterna caeli gloria,
beata spes mortalium,
celsi Parentis Unice
castaeque proles Virginis.

2. Da dexteram surgentibus,
exsurgat et mens sobria
flagrans et in laudem Dei
grates rependat debitas.

3. Ortus refulget lucifer
ipsamque lucem nuntiat,
cadit caligo noctium,
lux sancta nos illuminet,

4. Manensque nostris sensibus
noctem repellat saeculi
omnique fine temporis
purgata servet pectora.

5. Quaesita iam primum fides
radicet altis sensibus,
secunda spes congaudeat;
tunc maior exstat caritas.

6. Sit, Christe, rex piisime,
tibi Patrique gloria
cum Spiritu Paraclito,
in sempiterna saecula. Amen.

Magnae Deus Potentiae

O Sovereign Lord of Nature's Might

Magnae Deus Potentiae is attributed to St. Gregory the Great (540-604).  In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644), it was altered and changed to Magnae Deus Potentiae (1632). Both versions are shown below. It is sung at Thursday Vespers in the Roman Breviary.

MAGNAE DEUS POTENTIAE by St. Gregory the Great
Listen

1. Magnae Deus potentiae,
qui ex aquis ortum genus
partim remittis gurgiti,
partim levas in aera.

2. Demersa lymphis imprimens,
subvecta caelis irrogans,
ut, stirpe una prodita,
diversa repleant loca: 

3. Largire cunctis servulis,
quos mundat unda sanguinis,
nescire lapsus criminum,
nec ferre mortis taedium.

4. Ut culpa nullum deprimat,
nullum levet iactantia,
elisa mens ne concidat,
elata mens ne corruat.

5. Praesta, Pater piissime,
Patrique compar Unice,
cum Spiritu Paraclito
regnans per omne saeculum. Amen.


MAGNAE DEUS POTENTIAE (1632 Revision)

1. Magnae Deus potentiae,
qui fertili natos aqua,
partim relinquis gurgiti,
partim levas in aera.

2. Demersa lymphis imprimens,
subvecta caelis erigens,
ut, stirpe ab una prodita,
diversa repleant loca: 

3. Largire cunctis servulis,
quos mundat unda sanguinis,
nescire lapsus criminum,
nec ferre mortis taedium.

4. Ut culpa nullum deprimat,
nullum efferat iactantia,
elisa mens ne concidat,
elata mens ne corruat.

5. Praesta, Pater piissime,
Patrique compar Unice,
cum Spiritu Paraclito
regnans per omne saeculum. Amen.


Contemporary version performed by Sator

Liturgical Guide: Office of the Dead / Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

The hymns selected for use in the Office of the Dead and the Feast of All Souls express the Church's hope in Christ’s victory over death and in each Christian’s share in that victory. Paragraph 958 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church explains Communion with the Dead in this way: "In full consciousness of this communion of the whole Mystical Body of Jesus Christ, the Church in its pilgrim members, from the very earliest days of the Christian religion, has honored with great respect the memory of the dead; and because it is a holy and a wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins she offers her suffrages for them. Our prayer for them is capable not only of helping them, but also of making their intercession for us effective." The Office for the Dead is believed to have come into practice no early than the 7th or 8th century, but scholars are divided on it's exact origins. It is the proper Office for All Soul's Day (Nov. 2). It can also be used as a Votive Office, an optional devotion outside of the regular Liturgical calendar that can be prayed (except on Solemnities, Sundays in Advent, Lent, and Easter, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, the Octave of Easter, and All Soul's Day) for a deceased loved one, religious, or member of community etc. at appropriate times, such as the day of death, funeral, or anniversary of death.


Reflection by the Apostleship of Prayer. See: Lumen Gentium (VII:49)

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)
98. Keep in Mind
106. This I Ask (John 15)

113. In the Midst of Death (We Who Were Once Dead)

114. I Am the Bread of Life

120. Christ the Lord is Risen Today (Wesley)
139. Come to Me
172. For All the Saints
175. The King of Love My Shepherd Is
184. O Radiant Light, O Sun Divine
185. May Flights of Angels Lead You On Your Way

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
61. Remember Those, O Lord
62. Merciful Saviour, Hear Our Humble Prayer

Lux Ecce Surgit Aurea / Sol Ecce Surgit Igneus

Behold! The Fiery Sun Rises

Lux Ecce Surgit Aurea is by the Roman poet, Aurelius Prudentius (348-c.413). It is drawn from his work Liber Cathemerinon, comprised of 12 poems that contemplate the canonical hours, and liturgical feast days and seasons.  In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644), it was altered and changed to Sol Ecce Surgit Igneus. Both versions are shown below. It is sung at Thursday Lauds in the Roman Breviary.

LUX ECCE SURGIT AUREA by Aurelius Prudentius

1. Lux ecce surgit aurea,
pallens facessat caecitas,
quae nosmet in praeceps diu
errore traxit devio.

2. Haec lux serenum conferat,
purosque nos praestet sibi:
nihil loquamur subdolum:
Volvamus obscurum nihil.

3. Sic tota decurrat dies,
ne lingua mendax, ne manus
oculive peccent lubrici,
Ne noxa corpus inquinet.

4. Speculator astat desuper,
Qui nos diebus omnibus,
actusque nostros prospicit
a luce prima in vesperum.

5. Deo Patri sit gloria,
eiusque soli Filio,
cum Spiritu Paraclito,
nunc et per omne saeculum.


SOL ECCE SURGIT IGNEUS (1632 Revision)
Listen

1. Sol ecce surgit igneus,
piget, pudescit, paenitet,
nec teste quisquam lumine
peccare constanter potest.

2. Tandem facessat caecitas,
quae nosmet in praeceps diu
lapsos sinistris gressibus
errore traxit devio.

3. Haec lux serenum conferat
purosque nos praestet sibi;
nihil loquamur subdolum,
volvamus obscurum nihil.

4. Sic tota decurrat dies,
ne lingua mendax, ne manus
oculive peccent lubrici,
ne noxa corpus inquinet.

5. Speculator astat desuper,
qui nos diebus omnibus
actusque nostros prospicit
a luce prima in vesperum.

6. Deo Patri sit gloria
eiusque soli Filio
cum Spiritu Paraclito,
in sempiterna saecula. Amen.

Caeli Deus Sanctissime

O God, Whose Hand Hath Spread the Sky

Caeli Deus Sanctissime is attributed to St. Gregory the Great (540-604).  In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644), it was altered and changed to Caeli Deus Sanctissime (1632). Both versions are shown below. It is sung at Wednesday Vespers in the Roman Breviary.

CAELI DEUS SANCTISSIME
Listen

1. Caeli Deus Sanctissime
qui lucidum centrum poli
candore pingis igneo
augens decori lumine.

2. Quarto die qui flammeam
solis rotam constituens,
lunae ministras ordini,
vagos recursus siderum, 

3. Ut noctibus, vel lumini
diremptionis terminum,
primordiis et mensium
signum dares notissimum:

4. Illumina cor hominum,
absterge sordes mentium,
resolve culpae vinculum,
everte moles criminum.

5. Praesta, Pater piissime,
Patrique compar Unice,
cum Spiritu Paraclito
regnans per omne saeculum. Amen


CAELI DEUS SANCTISSIME (1632 Revision)

1. Caeli Deus Sanctissime
qui lucidas mundi plagas.
candore pingis igneo
augens decoro lumine.

2. Quarto die qui flammeam
dum solis accendis rotam,
lunae ministras ordinem,
vagosque cursus siderum.

3. Ut noctibus, vel lumini
diremptionis terminum,
primordiis et mensium
signum dares notissimum:

4. Expelle noctem cordium,
absterge sordes mentium,
resolve culpae vinculum,
everte moles criminum.

5. Praesta, Pater piissime,
Patrique compar Unice,
cum Spiritu Paraclito
regnans per omne saeculum. Amen


Contemporary version performed by Sator

Nox et Tenebrae et Nubila

Day is Breaking, Dawn is Bright

Nox et Tenebrae et Nubila is by the Roman poet, Aurelius Prudentius (348-c.413). It is drawn from his work Liber Cathemerinon, comprised of 12 poems that contemplate the canonical hours, and liturgical feast days and seasons.  In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644), it was altered and changed to Nox et tenebrae et nubile (1632). Both versions are shown below. It is sung at Wednesday Lauds in the Roman Breviary.

NOX ET TENEBRAE ET NUBILA by Aurelius Prudentius
Listen

1. Nox et tenebrae et nubila,
confusa mundi et turbida,
lux intrat, albescit plus:
Christus venit; discedite.

2. Caligo terrae scinditur
percussa solis spiculo,
rebusque iam color redit
vultu nitentis sideris.

3. Sic nostra mox obscuritas
fraudisque pectus conscium,
ruptis retectum nubibus,
regnante pallescet Deo.

4. Te, Christe, solum novimus,
te mente pura et simplici
rogare curvato genu
flendo et canendo discimus.

5. Intende nostris sensibus
vitamque totam dispice:
sunt multa fucis illita
quae luce purgentur tua.

6. Sit, Christe, rex piisime,
tibi Patrique gloria
cum Spiritu Paraclito,
in sempiterna saecula. Amen.


NOX ET TENEBRAE ET NUBILA (1632 Revision)

1. Nox et tenebrae et nubila,
confusa mundi et turbida,
lux intrat, albescit plus:
Christus venit; discedite.

2. Caligo terrae scinditur
percussa solis spiculo,
rebusque iam color redit
vultu nitentis sideris.

3. Sic nostra mox obscuritas
fraudisque pectus conscium,
ruptis retectum nubibus,
regnante pallescet Deo.

4. Te, Christe, solum novimus,
te mente pura et simplici
flendo et canendo quaesumus,
intende nostris sensibus.

5. Sunt multa fucis illita,
quae luce purgentur tua:
tu, vera lux caelestium,
vultu sereno illumina.

6. Sit, Christe, rex piisime,
tibi Patrique gloria
cum Spiritu Paraclito,
in sempiterna saecula. Amen.

Summae Deus Clementiae / Summae Parens Clementiae

Painting by Eugeniusz Kazimirowski, 1934 - Courtesy Wikipedia

Summae Deus Clementiae is a 7th century anonymous hymn. In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644), it was altered and changed to Summae Parens Clementiae. Both versions are shown below. It is sung at Saturday Matins in the Roman Breviary.

SUMMAE DEUS CLEMENTIAE (7th c., Anonymous)
Listen

1. Summae Deus clementiae
mundique factor machinae,
qui trinus almo numine
unusque firmas omnia,

2. Nostros piis cum canticis
fletus benigne suscipe,
quo corde puro sordibus
te perfruamur largius.

3. Lumbos adure congruis
tu caritatis ignibus,
accincti ut adsint perpetim
tuisque prompti adventibus,

4. Ut, quique horas noctium
nunc concinendo rumpimus,
donis beatae patriae
ditemur omnes affatim. 

5. Praesta, Pater piisime,
Patrique compar Unice,
cum Spiritu Paraclito
regnans per omne saeculum. Amen.


SUMMAE PARENS CLEMENTIAE (1632 Revision)

1. Summae Parens clementiae,
mundi regis qui machinam,
unius et substantiae,
trinus personis Deus:

2. Nostros pius cum canticis
fletus benigne suscipe:
ut corde puro sordium
te perfruamur largius.

3. Lumbos iecurque morbidum
flammis adure congruis,
accincti ut artus excubent,
luxu remoto pessimo.

4. Quicumque ut horas noctium
nunc concinendo rumpimus,
ditemur omnes affatim
donis beatae patriae.

5. Praesta, Pater piisime,
Patrique compar Unice,
cum Spiritu Paraclito
regnans per omne saeculum. Amen.

Tu Trinitatis Unitas

Painting by Max Furst - Courtesy of Wikipedia

Tu, Trinitatis Unitas is attributed to St. Gregory the Great (540-604).  In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644), it was altered and changed to Tu, Trinitatis Unitas (1632). Both versions are shown below. It is sung at Friday Matins in the Roman Breviary.

TU TRINITATIS UNITAS by St. Gregory the Great
Listen

1. Tu, Trinitatis Unitas,
orbem potenter qui regis,
attende laudum cantica
e excubantes psallimus. 

2. Nam lectulo consurgimus
noctis quieto tempore,
ut flagitemus vulnerum
a te medelam omnium.

3. Quo, fraude quicquid daemonum
in noctibus deliquimus
abstergat illud caelitus
tuae potestas gloriae.

4. Te corde fido quaesumus,
reple tuo nos lumine,
per quod dierum circulis
nullis ruamus actibus.

5. Praesta, Pater piisime,
Patrique compar Unice,
cum Spiritu Paraclito
regnans per omne saeculum. Amen.


TU TRINITATIS UNITAS (1632 Revision)

1. Tu, Trinitatis Unitas,
orbem potenter quae regis,
attende laudis canticum
quod excubantes psallimus.

2. Nam lectulo consurgimus
noctis quieto tempore,
ut flagitemus omnium
a te medelam vulnerum.

3. Quo, fraude quidquid daemonum
in noctibus deliquimus
abstergat illud caelitus
tuae potestas gloriae.

4. Ob hoc, Redemptor, quaesumus,
reple tuo nos lumine,
per quod dierum circulis
nullis ruamus actibus.

5. Praesta, Pater piisime,
Patrique compar Unice,
cum Spiritu Paraclito
regnans per omne saeculum. Amen.

Nox Atra Rerum Contegit

Dark Night has Drawn Her Curtains Round

Nox Atra Rerum Contegit is attributed to St. Gregory the Great (540-604).  It is sung at Thursday Matins in the Roman Breviary.

NOX ATRA RERUM CONTEGIT by St. Gregory the Great
Listen

1. Nox atra rerum contegit
terrae colores omnium:
nos confitentes poscimus
te, iuste iudex cordium, 

2. Ut auferas piacula
sordeque mentis abluas,
donesque, Christe, gratiam
ut arceantur crimina.

3. Mens, ecce, torpet impia,
quam culpa mordet noxia;
obscura gestit tollere
et te, Redemptor, quaerere. 

4. Repelle tu caliginem
intrinsecus quam maxime,
ut in beato gaudeat
se collocari lumine.

5. Sit, Christe, rex piisime,
tibi Patrique gloria
cum Spiritu Paraclito,
in sempiterna saecula. Amen.

Rerum Creator Optime

Cast Out the Slumbers of the Soul

Rerum Creator Optime is attributed to St. Gregory the Great (540-604).  In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644), it was altered and changed to Rerum Creator Optime (1632). Both versions are shown below. It is sung at Wednesday Matins in the Roman Breviary.

REMUM CREATOR OPTIME by St. Gregory the Great
Listen

1. Rerum creator optime
rectorque noster, respice;
nos a quiete noxia
mersos sopore libera.

2. Te, sancte Christe, poscimus;
ignosce tu criminibus,
ad confitendum surginmus
morasque noctis rumpimus.

3. Mentes manusque tollimus,
Propheta sicut noctibus
nobis gerendum praecipit
Paulusque gestis censuit.

4. Vides malum quod gessimus;
occulta nostra pandimus,
preces gementes fundimus;
dimitte quod peccavimus.

5. Sit, Christe, rex piisime,
tibi Patrique gloria
cum Spiritu Paraclito,
in sempiterna saecula. Amen.


REMUM CREATOR OPTIME (1632 Revision)

1. Rerum creator optime
rectorque noster, respice;
nos a quiete noxia
mersos sopore libera.

2. Te, sancte Christe, poscimus;
ignosce culpis omnibus,
ad confitendum surginmus
morasque noctis rumpimus.

3. Mentes manusque tollimus,
Propheta sicut noctibus
nobis gerendum praecipit
Paulusque gestis censuit.

4. Vides malum quod fecimus;
occulta nostra pandimus,
preces gementes fundimus;
dimitte quod peccavimus.

5. Sit, Christe, rex piisime,
tibi Patrique gloria
cum Spiritu Paraclito,
in sempiterna saecula. Amen.

Telluris Ingens Conditor / Telluris Alme Conditor

At Whose Command Raised From the Sea the Solid Land

Telluris Ingens Conditor is attributed to St. Gregory the Great (540-604).  In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644), it was altered and changed to Tellúris Alme Cónditor. Both versions are shown below. It is sung at Tuesday Vespers in the Roman Breviary.

TELLURIS INGENS CONDITOR by St. Gregory the Great
Listen

1. Tellúris ingens cónditor,
mundi solum qui eruens,
pulsis aquæ moléstiis,
terram dedísti immóbilem,

2. Ut germen aptum próferens,
fulvis decóra flóribus,
fecúnda fructu sísteret
pastúmque gratum rédderet:

3. Mentis perústæ vúlnera
munda viróre grátiæ,
ut facta fletu díluat
motúsque pravos átterat,

4. Iussis tuis obtémperet,
nullis malis appróximet,
bonis repléri gáudeat
et mortis actum néscciat.

5. Præsta, Pater piísime,
Patríque compar Unice,
cum Spíritu Paráclito
regnans per omne sæculum. Amen.


TELLURIS ALME CONDITOR (1632 Revision)

1. Tellúris alme cónditor,
mundi solum qui separans,
pulsis aquæ moléstiis,
terram dedísti immóbilem,

2. Ut germen aptum próferens,
fulvis decóra flóribus,
fecúnda fructu sísteret
pastúmque gratum rédderet:

3. Mentis perústæ vúlnera
munda viróre grátiæ,
ut facta fletu díluat
motúsque pravos átterat,

4. Iussis tuis obtémperet,
nullis malis appróximet,
bonis repléri gáudeat
et mortis ictu néscciat.

5. Præsta, Pater piísime,
Patríque compar Unice,
cum Spíritu Paráclito
regnans per omne sæculum. Amen.

Ales Diei Nuntius

The Winged Herald of the Day Proclaims the Morn's Approaching Ray

Ales Diei Nuntius is by the Roman poet Aurelius Prudentius (348-c.413). It is drawn from Poem #1 (Hymn at Cock Crow) of his work Liber Cathemerinon, comprised of 12 poems that contemplate the canonical hours, and liturgical feast days and seasons. In the Roman Breviary it is sung at Tuesday Lauds. There are two versions of this hymn. Both are shown below.

ALES DIEI NUNTIUS by Aurelius Prudentius
Listen

1. Ales diei nuntius
lucem propinquam praecinit;
nos excitator mentium
iam Christus ad vitam vocat.

2. "Auferte, clamat, lectulos
aegros, soporos, desides;
castique, recti ac sobrii
vigilate; iam sum proximus".

3. Ut, cum coruscis flatibus
aurora caelum sparserit,
omnes labore exercitos
confirmet ad spem luminis,

4. Iesum ciamus vocibus
flentes, precantes, sobrii;
intenta supplicatio
dormire cor mundum vetat.

5. Tu, Christe, somnum disice,
tu rumpe noctis vincula,
tu solve peccatum vetus
novumque lumen ingere.

6. Sit, Christe, rex piisime,
tibi Patrique gloria
cum Spiritu Paraclito,
in sempiterna saecula. Amen.


ALES DIEI NUNTIUS (from the Liturgia Horarum)

1. Ales diei nuntius,
Lucem propinquam præcinit:
Nos excitator mentium
Iam Christus ad vitam vocat.

2. Auferte, clamat, lectulos,
Ægro sopore desides:
Castique, recti ac sobrii,
Vigilate, iam sum proximus.

3. Iesum ciamus vocibus,
Flentes, precantes, sobrii:
Intenta supplicatio
Dormire cor mundum vetat. 

4. Tu, Christe, somnum discute:
Tu rumpe noctis vincula:
Tu solve peccatum vetus,
Novumque lumen ingere.

5. Deo Patri sit gloria,
Ejusque soli Filio,
Cum Spiritu Paraclito,
Nunc et per omne sæculum.

Consors Paterni Luminis

O Light of Light, O Dayspring Bright, Coequal in Thy Father's Light

Consors Paterni Luminis was once attributed to St. Ambrose (c.340-397),  but modern scholars are today unsure of it's origins. It is sung at Tuesday Matins in the Roman Breviary.

CONSORS PATERNI LUMINIS by St. Ambrose
Listen

1. Consors paterni luminis,
lux ipse lucis et dies,
noctem canendo rumpimus:
assiste postulantibus.

2. Aufer tenebras mentium,
fuga catervas daemonum,
expelle somnolentiam
ne pigritantes obruat.

3. Sic, Christe, nobis omnibus
indulgeas credentibus
ut prosit exorantibus
quod praecinentes psallimus.

4. Sit, Christe, rex piisime,
tibi Patrique gloria
cum Spiritu Paraclito,
in sempiterna saecula. Amen.

Immense Caeli Conditor

O Great Creator of the Sky

Immense Caeli Conditor is attributed to St. Gregory the Great (540-604).  In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644), it was altered and changed to Immense Cæli Conditor (1632). Both versions are shown below. It is sung at Monday Vespers in the Roman Breviary.


Contemporary ensemble performance by Sator

IMMENSE CAELI CONDITOR by St. Gregory the Great
Listen

1. Immense cæli conditor,
Qui, mixta ne confunderent,
Aquæ fluenta dividens
Cæli dedisti limitem,

2. Firmans locum cælestibus
Simulque terræ rivulis,
Ut unda flammas temperet,
Terræ solum ne dissipet,

3. Infunde nunc, piissime,
Donum perennis gratiæ,
Fraudis novæ ne casibus
Nos error atterat vetus. 

4. Lucem fides inveniat,
Sic luminis iubar ferat,
Hæc vana cuncta terreat,
Hanc falsa nulla comprimant.

5. Præsta, Pater piisime,
Patrique compar Unice,
Cum Spiritu Paraclito
Regnans per omne sæculum. Amen


IMMENSE CAELI CONDITOR (1632 Revision)

1. Immense cæli conditor,
Qui, mixta ne confunderent,
Aquæ fluenta dividens
Cæli dedisti limitem,

2. Firmans locum cælestibus
Simulque terræ rivulis,
Ut unda flammas temperet,
Terræ solum ne dissipent,

3. Infunde nunc, piissime,
Donum perennis gratiæ,
Fraudis novæ ne casibus
Nos error atterat vetus.

4. Lucem fides adaugeat,
Sic luminis iubar ferat,
Hæc vana cuncta proterat,
Hanc falsa nulla comprimant.

5. Præsta, Pater piisime,
Patrique compar Unice,
Cum Spiritu Paraclito
Regnans per omne sæculum. Amen

Splendor Paternae Gloriae

Splendour of the Father's Glory

Splendor Paternae Gloriae is attributed to St. Ambrose (c.340-397).  In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644), it was altered and changed to Splendor Paternae Gloriae (1632). Both versions are shown below. It is sung at Monday Lauds in the Roman Breviary.


Sung by Giovanni Vianini (Ambrosian)

SPLENDOR PATERNAE GLORIAE by St. Ambrose
Listen

1. Splendor paternæ gloriæ,
De luce lucem proferens,
Lux lucis et fons luminis,
Diem dies illuminans

2. Verusque sol, illabere
Micans nitore perpeti
Iubarque sancti spiritus
Infunde nostris sensibus.

3. Votis vocemus et patrem,
Patrem perennis gloriæ,
Patrem potentis gratiæ
Culpam releget lubricam.

4. Informet actus strenuos,
Dentem retundat invidi,
Casus secundet asperos,
Donet gerendi gratiam.

5. Mentem gubernet et regat
Casto, fideli corpore,
Fides calore ferveat,
Fraudis venena nesciat.

6. Christusque noster sit cibus,
Potusque noster sit fides,
Læti bibamus sobriam
Ebrietatem spiritus. 

7. Lætus dies hic transeat,
Pudor sit ut diluculum,
Fides velut meridies,
Crepusculum mens nesciat.

8. Aurora cursus provehat,
Aurora totus prodeat,
In patre totus filius
Et totus in verbo pater.


SPLENDOR PATERNAE GLORIAE (1632 Revision)

1. Splendor paternæ gloriæ,
De luce lucem proferens,
Lux lucis et fons luminis,
Diem dies illuminans

2. Verusque sol, illabere
Micans nitore perpeti
Iubarque sancti spiritus
Infunde nostris sensibus.

3. Votis vocemus et patrem,
Patrem perennis gloriæ,
Patrem potentis gratiæ
Culpam releget lubricam.

4. Informet actus strenuos,
Dentem retundat invidi,
Casus secundet asperos,
Donet gerendi gratiam.

5. Mentem gubernet et regat
Casto, fideli corpore,
Fides calore ferveat,
Fraudis venena nesciat.

6. Christusque noster sit cibus,
Potusque noster sit fides,
Læti bibamus sobriam
Ebrietatem spiritus.

7. Lætus dies hic transeat,
Pudor sit ut diluculum,
Fides velut meridies,
Crepusculum mens nesciat.

8. Aurora cursus provehat,
Aurora totus prodeat,
In patre totus filius
Et totus in verbo pater.

Aeterna Lux, Divinitas

Eternal Light, Divinity, O Unity in Trinity

Ætérna Lux, Divínitas is an anonymous Latin hymn which was first published in the Co­rol­la Hym­no­rum, Köln, 1806. It is sung at Monday Matins in the Roman Breviary.

ATERNA LUX, DIVINITAS (Public Domain)
Listen

1. Ætérna lux, divínitas,
in unitáte Trínitas,
te confitémur débiles,
te deprecámur súpplices.

2. Summum Paréntem crédimus
Natúmque Patris únicum,
et caritátis vínculum
qui iungit illos Spíritum.

3. O véritas, o cáritas,
o finis et felícitas,
speráre fac et crédere,
amáre fac et cónsequi.

4. Qui finis et exórdium
rerúmque fons es ómnium,
tu solus es solácium,
tu certa spes credéntium.

5. Qui cuncta solus éfficis
cunctísque solus súfficis,
tu sola lux es ómnibus
et præmium sperántibus. 

6. Christum rogámus et Patrem,
Christi Patrísque Spíritum;
unum potens per ómnia,
fove precántes, Trínitas. Amen.

Somno Refectis Artubus

While We Sing Thy Praises, O Father Be Present Here

Somno Refectis Artubus is attributed to St. Ambrose (c.340-397).  In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644), it was altered and changed to Somno Refectis Artubus (1632). Both versions are shown below. It is sung at Monday Matins in the Roman Breviary.

SOMNO REFLECTIS ARTUBUS by St. Ambrose
Listen

1. Somno refectis artubus,
spreto cubili, surgimus:
nobis, Pater, canentibus
adesse te deposcimus.

2. Te lingua primum concinat,
te mentis ardor ambiat,
ut actuum sequentium
tu, sancte, sis exordium.

3. Cedant tenebrae lumini
et nox diurno sideri,
ut culpa, quam nox intulit,
lucis labascat munere.

4. Precamur idem supplices
noxas ut omnes amputes,
et ore te canentium
lauderis in perpetuum.

5. Praesta, Pater piisime,
Patrique compar Unice,
cum Spiritu Paraclito
regnans per omne saeculum. Amen.


SOMNO REFLECTIS ARTUBUS (1632 Revision)

1. Somno refectis artubus,
spreto cubili, surgimus:
nobis, Pater, canentibus
adesse te deposcimus.

2. Te lingua primum concinat,
te mentis ardor ambiat,
ut actuum sequentium
tu, sancte, sis exordium.

3. Cedant tenebrae lumini
et nox diurno sideri,
ut culpa, quam nox intulit,
lucis labascat munere.

4. Precamur idem supplices
noxas ut omnes amputes,
et ore te canentium
lauderis in omni tempore

5. Praesta, Pater piisime,
Patrique compar Unice,
cum Spiritu Paraclito
regnans per omne saeculum. Amen.

Lucis Creator Optime

O'er the Forming World Didst Call the Light from Chaos First of All

Lucis Creator Optime is usually attributed to St. Gregory the Great (540-604). In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644), it was altered and changed to Lucis Creator Optime (1632). Both versions are shown below. It is sung at Sunday Vespers in the Roman Breviary.


Performed by Schola Gregoriana Monostorinensis

LUCIS CREATOR OPTIME by St. Gregory the Great
Listen

1. Lucis Creator optime
lucem dierum proferens,
primordiis lucis novae,
mundi parans originem:

2. Qui mane iunctum vesperi
diem vocari praecipis:
tetrum chaos illabitur,
audi preces cum fletibus. 

3. Ne mens gravata crimine,
vitae sit exsul munere,
dum nil perenne cogitat,
seseque culpis illigat.

4. Caeleste pulset ostium:
vitale tollat praemium:
vitemus omne noxium:
purgemus omne pessimum. 

5. Praesta, Pater piissime,
Patrique compar Unice,
cum Spiritu Paraclito
regnans per omne saeculum. Amen.


LUCIS CREATOR OPTIME (1632)

1. Lucis creator optime
Lucem dierum proferens,
Primordiis lucis novæ
Mundi parans originem,

2. Qui mane iunctum vesperi
Diem vocari præcipis,
Illabitur tætrum chaos,
Audi preces cum fletibus,

3. Ne mens gravata crimine,
Vitae sit exsul munere,
Dum nil perenne cogitat,
Seseque culpis illigat;

4. Cæleste pulset ostium,
Vitale tollat præmium,
Vitemus omne noxium,
Purgemus omne pessimum.

5. Præsta, Pater piissime,
Patrique compar Unice,
Cum Spiritu Paraclito
Regnans per omne sæculum. Amen.

Ecce Iam Noctis

Lo! The Dim Shadows of the Night are Waning

Ecce Iam Noctis is attributed to St. Gregory the Great (540-604), although some scholars suggest that the Carolingian court poet and theologian, Alcuin of York (735-804) may instead be the writer. It is the Lauds counterpoint to the Sunday Matins hymn: Noc­te Sur­gen­es Vi­gil­e­mus Om­nes. Both hymns are written in sapphic verse and both appear to share the same authorship.  In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644) it was altered and changed to Ecce Iam Noctis (1632). Both versions are shown below. It is sung at Sunday Lauds in the Roman Breviary.



ECCE IAM NOCTIS by St. Gregory the Great
Listen

1. Ecce iam noctis tenuatur umbra
lucis aurora rutilans coruscat;
nisibus totis rogitemus omnes
cunctipotentem,

2. Ut Deus, nostri miseratus, omnem
pellat angorem, tribuat salutem,
donet et nobis pietate patris
regna polorum

3. Praestet hoc nobis Deitas beata
Patris ac Nati, pariterque Sancti
Spiritus,cuius resonat per omnem
gloria mundum. Amen.


ECCE IAM NOCTIS (1632)

1. Ecce iam noctis tenuatur umbra
lux et aurorae rutilans coruscat:
supplices rerum Dominum canora
voce precemur.

2. Ut reos culpae miseratus omnem
pellat angorem, tribuat salutem,
donet et nobis sempiternae
munera pacis.

3. Praestet hoc nobis Deitas beata
Patris ac Nati, pariterque Sancti
Spiritus, cuius resonat per omnem
gloria mundum. Amen.