The Great Forerunner of the Morn / Praecursor Altus Luminis

The Great Forerunner of the Morn is a John Mason Neale (1818-1866) translation of the Latin hymn, Prae­cur­sor Al­tus Lum­i­nis by the St. Bede (b.673). From the age of 7 till his death in 735, he lived at the Northumbrian monasteries of St. Peter and St. Paul in Monkwearmouth-Jarrow. Quite likely the most learned man of his time, St. Bede is included among the Early Church Fathers and has been made a Doctor of the Church. He was a prolific writer of theology and ecclesiastical history, as well as poetry and hymns. The Great Forerunner of the Morn is set to the tune: Sedulius, first published in the Nürnbergisches Gesangbuch of 1676. A popular alternative is the tune: The Truth From Above, as shown in the following video. In the Liturgy of the Hours it is used on June 24, the Nativity of St. John the Baptist.


Tune: The Truth From Above

THE GREAT FORERUNNER OF THE MORN by John Neale, 1854 (Public Domain)

1. The great forerunner of the morn,
The herald of the Word, is born:
And faithful hearts shall never fail
With thanks and praise his light to hail.

2. With heavenly message Gabriel came,
That John should be that herald’s name,
And with prophetic utterance told
His actions great and manifold.

3. John, still unborn, yet gave aright
His witness to the coming Light;
And Christ, the Sun of all the earth,
Fulfilled that witness at His birth.

4. Of woman born shall never be
A greater prophet than was he,
Whose mighty deeds exalt his fame
To greater than a prophet’s name.

5. But why should mortal accents raise
The hymn of John the Baptist’s praise?
Of whom, or e’er his course was run,
Thus spake the Father to the Son?

6. “Behold, My herald, who shall go
Before Thy face Thy way to show,
And shine, as with the day-star’s gleam,
Before Thine own eternal beam.”

7. All praise to God the Father be,
All praise, eternal Son, to Thee,
Whom with the Spirit we adore
Forever and forevermore.

* The 7th verse is not a translation, but a doxology by J.M. Neale.


PRAECURSOR ALTUS LUMINIS by St. Bede, c. 720

1. Praecursor altus luminis
Et praeco verbi nascitur;
Laetare, cor fidelium,
Lucemque gaudens accipe. 

2. Sublime cui uocabulum
Iohannes ipse Gabriel
Imponit, et clarissima
Ipsius acta praecinit.

3. Necdumque natus iam dedit
De luce testimonium,
Quod natus admirabili
Compleuit ipse in gloria.

4. Quo feminarum in filiis
Propheta maior nullus est,
Quin ipse miris actibus
Plus quam propheta claruit.

5. Quid sermo noster amplius
Huius canat praeconia?
De quo Patris uox Filio
Olim locuta praecinit: 

6. En, mitto, dixit, angelum,
Tuam paret qui semitam
Vultuque praecurrat tuum
Solem rubens ut Lucifer.

* The full text of Praecursor Altus Luminis can be found here.

Look Down to Us, Saint Joseph

Protector of Our Lord

Look Down to Us, Saint Joseph was written by Sulpician Priest, Fr. Michael Gannon. It was first published in 1964, and included in the People's Mass Book of 1966. In the Liturgy of the Hours, Look Down to Us, Saint Joseph is used on March 19th, the Solemnity of Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The recommended musical setting is to the 1539 tune: Holland. An alternative tune that can be used is Aurelia, as featured in the following video.


Alternative Tune: Aurelia

When Mary Brought Her Treasure

The Joy Upon Her Face

When Mary Brought Her Treasure, was first published in 1931 under the name: Jan Struther, a pen name of Joyce Maxtone Graham (1901-1953). She is best known as the author of Mrs Miniver. Born and raised in the UK, she attended a private school in London where she was a classmate of Eliz­a­beth Bowes-Ly­on (the fu­ture Queen Eliz­a­beth, the Queen Mo­ther). Also known as Joyce Torrens, she wrote a number hymns intended for children including Lord of All Hopefulness. When Mary Brought Her Treasure is sung to the traditional French carol: Allons, Suivons Les Magese. An alternative tune that can be used is Es ist ein Ros Entsprungen, as featured in the following video. In the Liturgy of the Hours, When Mary Brought Her Treasure is used on February 2, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.

Tune: Es ist ein Ros Entsprungen

Hail to the Lord Who Comes

In Her Fond Arms At Rest

Hail to the Lord Who Comes was written in 1880 by Anglican Priest and composer or translator of over 80 hymns, John Ellerton (1826-1893). It was published the following year in Mrs. Brock's Children's Hymn Book. It is set to the tune for Psalm 32 composed in 1648 by Henry Lawes (1595-1662). The son of a Vicar Choral of Salisbury Cathedral, he along with his brother and fellow composer, William Lawes (b.1602), were important composers of 17th century England. During the English Civil War period and subsequent Commonwealth of Oliver Cromwell, they found themselves on the losing side. William was killed at the Siege of Chester in 1645, and Henry lost his position in the Chapel Royal; although he would be later be reinstated in 1660 with the restoration of the monarchy. In the Liturgy of the Hours, Hail to the Lord Who Comes is used on February 2, the  Feast of the Presentation. The version published in the Liturgy of the Hours is an adaption of Ellerton's original. His original 6-line stanzas (6.6.6.6.6.6) have been reduced to 4-line stanzas (6.6.6.6). An alternative tune that can be used with the 4-line version is St. Cecilia, as featured in the 1st video. For the 6-line version, a well known setting is the tune: 120th, as featured in the following 2nd video.

Tune: St. Cecilia (Meter: 6.6.6.6)

HAIL TO THE LORD WHO COMES by John Ellerton, 1880 (Public Domain)

1. Hail to the Lord who comes,
comes to his temple gate!
Not with his angel host,
not in his kingly state;
no shouts proclaim him nigh,
no crowds his coming wait;

2. But, borne upon the throne
of Mary's gentle breast,
watched by her duteous love,
in her fond arms at rest;
thus to his Father's house
he comes, the heav'nly Guest.

3. There Joseph at her side
in reverent wonder stands,
and, filled with holy joy,
old Simeon in his hands
takes up the promised Child,
the glory of all lands.

4. Hail to the great First-born
whose ransom-price they pay!
The Son before all worlds,
the Child of man today,
that he might ransom us
who still in bondage lay.

5. O Light of all the earth,
thy children wait for thee!
come to thy temples here,
that we, from sin set free,
before thy Father's face
may all presented be!
 

Tune: 120th (Meter: 6.6.6.6.6.6)

Great Saint Andrew

Lover of His Glorious Cross

Great Saint Andrew was written by Fr. Frederick Oakeley (1802-1880). Ordained an Anglican Priest in 1828, along with others of the Oxford Movement, he converted to Catholicism in 1848. He is best known for his translation of Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful). Great Saint Andrew is set to the 1840 tune, Contemplation (also known as Trust) by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847). In the Liturgy of the Hours, Great Saint Andrew, Friend of Jesus is used on November 30, the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle.


GREAT SAINT ANDREW by Frederick Oakeley, (Public Domain)

1. Great Saint Andrew, friend of Jesus,
Lover of his glorious cross,
Early by his voice effective
Called from ease to pain and loss.

2. Strong Saint Andrew, Simon’s brother,
Who with haste fraternal flew,
Fain with him to share the treasure
Which at Jesus’ lips he drew.

3. Blest St Andrew, Jesus’ herald,
True Apostle, martyr bold,
Who by deed his words confirming
Sealed with blood the truth he told.

4. Ne’er to king was crown so beauteous,
Ne’er to heart was prize so dear,
As to him the cross of Jesus
When its promised joys drew near.

5. Loved Saint Andrew, Scotland’s patron,
Watch thy land with heedful eye,
Rally round the cross of Jesus
All her storied chivalry!

6. To the Father, Son and Spirit,
Fount of sanctity and love,
Give we glory now and ever,
With the saints who reign above.

To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King

Praise and Homage Do We Bring

To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King was written in 1941 by Msgr. Martin B. Hellriegel (1890-1981). It is a response to the pretentious claims of Third Reich at the time, and a reminder for us that it must be Christ who Reigns in our lives. Fr. Hellreigel, who was born in Germany, came with his family to the United States as a child, and was ordained a Priest in 1914. In 1940 he was assigned to Our Lady of the Holy Cross Church in St. Louis, Missouri; which served a largely German-American community. In 1943 he built a new side altar to the Blessed Mother there which included on it's side a panel listing the names of all the young men from the Parish who fought in World War II. To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King is sung to the tune, Ich Glaub' an Gott, first published in 1870 as part of the Mainz Gesangbuch. In the Liturgy of the Hours it is used on the Solemnity of Christ the King.



TO JESUS CHRIST, OUR SOVEREIGN KING by Martin B. Hellriegel, 1941 (Public Domain)

1. To Jesus Christ, our Sov’reign King,
Who is the world’s salvation,
All praise and homage do we bring,
And thanks and adoration.

Refrain: Christ Jesus Victor,
              Christ Jesus Ruler!
              Christ Jesus, Lord and Redeemer!

2. Thy reign extend, O King benign,
To ev’ry land and nation,
For in Thy kingdom, Lord divine,
Alone we find salvation.

3. To Thee and to Thy Church, great King,
We pledge our hearts’ oblation,
Until before Thy throne we sing,
In endless jubilation.

Shepherd of Souls, in Love Come, Feed Us

To Those Refreshing Waters, Lead Us

Shepherd of Souls, in Love Come, Feed Us was first published in 1964. It was written by Omer Westendorf (1916-1997). He was founder of World Library Publications (WLP). This hymn was sung by friends and family as they gathered at his bedside before his death. It is sung to the tune Du Meiner Seelen, a Hungarian Chorale melody from the 16th. century.  It can be heard on the Liturgical and Gospel Music Ministry YouTube Channel.  As well, another version of Shepherd of Souls, In Love Come, Feed Us can be found on the Cantor Hymn Recordings page the Cantors of St. John the Baptist R.C. Church, Pottsville, PA website. It is listed under the heading: "PMB 653".  Shepherd of Souls, in Love Come, Feed Us can also be sung to the tune: Neumark, as featured in the following video. In the Liturgy of the Hours it is used on the Feast of the Sacred Heart.


Tune: Neumark

Come to Me

The Lord is my Shepherd

Come to Me is written by composer and author, Gregory Norbet (b.1940). It was first published 1971 as part of the collection, Locusts and Wild Honey sung by the Benedictine Monks of Weston Priory, Vermont. Over his 21 years as a monk at the Priory, Gregory Norbet composed, sang, and performed on 12 albums. Some of his best known songs from that period include: Hosea (Come Back to Me), Something Which is Known, and Go Up to the Mountain. He remains active today as a composer and recording artist with OCP, as well as serving the Hosea Foundation, a not-for-profit ministry which he founded. In the Liturgy of the Hours, Come to Me is used with the Common of Pastors, the Office of the Dead, and on the Feast of the Sacred Heart.

To Christ, the Prince of Peace / Summi Parentis Filio

The Wound of Love He Bore

To Christ, the Prince of Peace is an Anthony G. Petti adaption of the Edward Caswall (1814-1878) 1874 translation of the Latin hymn for Lauds in the Office of the Sacred Heart from the Roman Breviary, Summi Parentis Filio (see 2nd video). Although Caswall's original text is often sung to the tune, St. George; Petti's modern setting is to the William H. Havergal (1793-1870) adaption of Narenza, a melody first published in the Catholicum Hymnologium Germanicum of 1584. In the Liturgy of the Hours, To Christ, the Prince of Peace is used on the Feast of the Sacred Heart.


Tune: Narenza

TO CHRIST, THE PRINCE OF PEACE by Edward Caswall, 1874 (Public Domain)

1. To Christ, the Prince of peace,
And Son of God most high,
The Father of the world to come,
We lift our joyful cry.

2. Deep in His heart for us
The wound of love He bore,
That love which He enkindles still
In hearts that Him adore.

3. O Jesu, Victim blest,
What else but love divine
Could Thee constrain to open thus
That sacred heart of Thine?

4. O wondrous Fount of love,
O Well of waters free,
O heavenly Flame, refining Fire,
O burning Charity!

5. Hide us in Thy dear heart,
Jesu, our Savior blest,
So shall we find Thy plenteous grace
And Heav’n’s eternal rest.


Traditional Chant

SUMMI PARENTIS FILIO - Anonymous (Public Domain)

1. Summi Parentis Filio,
Patri futuri sæculi,
Pacis beatæ Principi,
Promamus ore canticum.

2. Qui vulneratus pectore
Amoris ictum pertulit,
Amoris urens ignibus
Ipsum qui amantem diligunt.

3. Jesu, doloris victima,
Quis te innocentem compulit,
Dura ut apertum lancea
Latus pateret vulneri?

4. O fons amoris inclyte!
O vena aquarum limpida,
O flamma adurens crimina!
O cordis ardens caritas!

5. In Corde, Jesu, jugiter
Reconde nos, ut uberi
Dono fruamur gratiæ,
Cœlique tandem præmiis.

6. Semper Parenti, et Filio,
Sit laus, honor, sit gloria,
Sancto simul Paraclito
In sæculorum sæcula. Amen

Heart of Christ

Refuge From Our Strife

Heart of Christ, first published in 1955 was written by Fr. Melvin Farrell, S.S. It is sung to the 1715 tune, Stuttgart by Lutheran organist, composer Christian F. Witt (1660-1716). When Witt's health failed, a 31 year old JS Bach (1685-1750) was commissioned to substitute for him during Passion Week as Kapellmeister in the Court Chapel of Gotha. It is thought that the work performed was Bach's lost "Weimarer Passion". In the Liturgy of the Hours, Heart of Christ is used on the Feast of the Sacred Heart.


Tune: Stuttgart

O Christ, Redeemer of Mankind

May Nations Win Your Saving Grace

O Christ, Redeemer of Mankind was first published by the National Office of the Apostleship of Prayer and the Eucharistic Crusade, Dindigul India. There are approximately 20 million Catholics in India today. The Catholic Church has a long history in India, going back to St. Francis Xavier and other Jesuit missionaries in the 16th century, and even to the Tradition which relates St. Thomas spreading the Gospel there during the Apostolic Age. The Church in India has been blessed with such large numbers entering Religious life, that it now sends many Priests and Consecrated Religious to minister to the spiritual needs of the Church throughout the world. O Christ, Redeemer of Mankind is set to the tune, St. Flavian, first published in John Days's Psalter of 1562. In the Liturgy of the Hours it is used on the Feast of the Sacred Heart.


Tune: St. Flavian

God with Hidden Majesty / Adoro Te Devote

Sacrament of Living Bread

God with Hidden Majesty is a 1971 translation by Anthony G. Petti of the Latin hymn, Adoro te Devote (featured in 2nd video). St. Thomas Aquinas (c.1225-1274) wrote this hymn in 1264, along with 4 others at the request of Pope Urban IV (c.1195-1264) as part of his Mass and Office for the (then) newly promulgated Feast of Corpus Christi. It is set to the ancient Gregorian chant melody associated with . It was first published in the Paris Processional of 1697). In the Liturgy of the Office, God With Hidden Majesty is used on the Feast of Corpus Christi.


Tune: Adoro Te Devote

ADORO TE DEVOTE by Thomas Aquinas, 1264 (Public Domain)

1. Adoro te devote, latens Deitas,
Quæ sub his figuris vere latitas;
Tibi se cor meum totum subjicit,
Quia te contemplans totum deficit.

2. Visus, tactus, gustus in te fallitur,
Sed auditu solo tuto creditur.
Credo quidquid dixit Dei Filius;
Nil hoc verbo veritátis verius.

3. In cruce latebat sola Deitas,
At hic latet simul et Humanitas,
Ambo tamen credens atque confitens,
Peto quod petivit latro pœnitens.

4. Plagas, sicut Thomas, non intueor:
Deum tamen meum te confiteor.
Fac me tibi semper magis credere,
In te spem habere, te diligere.

5. O memoriale mortis Domini!
Panis vivus, vitam præstans homini!
Præsta meæ menti de te vívere,
Et te illi semper dulce sapere.

6. Pie Pelicane, Jesu Domine,
Me immundum munda tuo sanguine:
Cujus una stilla salvum facere
Totum mundum quit ab omni scelere.

7. Jesu, quem velatum nunc aspicio,
Oro, fiat illud quod tam sitio:
Ut te revelata cernens facie,
Visu sim beátus tuæ gloriæ. Amen


Gregorian Chant

Lord Who at Your First Eucharist Did Pray

Blest Sacrament of Unity

Lord Who at Your First Eucharist Did Pray was written in 1881 by author Will­iam H. Tur­ton (1856-1938) for an anniversary service held at London's St. Ma­ry Mag­da­lene’s Anglican Church in Mun­ster Square. It is set to the tune Unde Et Memores, written in 1875 by organist and composer William H. Monk (1823-1889). In the Liturgy of the Hours, Lord Who at Your First Eucharist Did Pray is used on Feast of Corpus Christi.

Tune: Unde et Memores

THOU, WHO AT THY FIRST EUCHARIST DIDST PRAY by Will­iam H. Tur­ton, 1881 (Public Domain)

Thou, who at Thy first Eucharist didst pray
That all Thy Church might be forever one,
Grant us that ev’ry Eucharist to say
With longing heart and soul, Thy will be done.
O may we all one bread, one body be,
Through this blest sacrament of unity.

For all Thy Church, O Lord, we intercede;
Make Thou our sad divisions soon to cease;
Draw us the nearer each to each, we plead,
By drawing all to Thee, O Prince of Peace;
Thus may we all one bread, one body be,
Through this blest sacrament of unity.

We pray Thee too for wand’rers from Thy fold;
O bring them back, good Shepherd of the sheep,
Back to the faith which saints believed of old,
Back to the Church which still that faith doth keep;
Soon may we all one bread, one body be,
Through this blest sacrament of unity.

So, Lord, at length when sacraments shall cease,
May we be one with all Thy Church above,
One with Thy saints in one unbroken peace,
One with Thy saints in one unbounded love;
More blessèd still, in peace and love to be
One with the Trinity in Unity.

Come Thou Almighty King

Come and Reign Over Us, Ancient of Days

Come Thou Almighty King is an anonymous work set to music by Italian composer and violinist, Felice de Giardini (1716-1796). While living in England, he was commissioned by Lady Selina, the Countess of Huntingdon to turn the poem into a hymn. The tune he composed is known both as the Italian Hymn and Moscow, the city where the once famous Giardini spent his final days living in poverty and obscurity. His hymn was published in Martin Madan's Collection of Psalm and Hymn Tunes of 1769. Selina Hastings (1707–1791) was prominent in the religious revival of the 18th century in England and Wales. She used her wealth and influence to support various evangelical efforts and even founded a a Christian denomination, the Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion. In the Liturgy of the Hours, Come, Thou Almighty King is used on Trinity Sunday and for Mid-Afternoon Prayer during Ordinary Time.



COME, THOU ALMIGHTY KING, Anonymous (Public Domain)

 1. Come, Thou almighty King,
Help us Thy name to sing,
Help us to praise!
Father all glorious,
O'er all victorious,
Come and reign over us,
Ancient of days!

 2. Come, Thou incarnate Word,
Gird on Thy mighty sword,
Our prayer attend!
Come, and Thy people bless,
And give Thy word success:
Spirit of holiness,
On us descend!

 3. Come, Holy Comforter,
Thy sacred witness bear,
In this glad hour!
Thou, who almighty art,
Now rule in ev'ry heart,
And ne'er from us depart,
Spirit of pow'r!

 4. To the great One in Three,
Eternal praises be hence evermore;
Thy sovereign majesty
May we in glory see,
And to eternity
Love and adore.

Holy, Holy, Holy

Our Song Shall Rise to Thee

Holy, Holy, Holy was written by Reginald Heber (1783-1826). He composed this Trinity Sunday hymn in Hodnet, in the west of England, where he served as Vicar from 1807 to 1823. He left there when he was appointed the Bishop of Calcutta, India. He died 3 years later while in service to that Diocese. The photo to the left is of St. Paul's Cathedral in Calcutta (Kolkata). Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! is sung to the 1861 tune, Nicaea by Anglican Clergyman, John B. Dykes (1823-1876). The tune was written specifically for Heber's text, and purposely named after the Council of Nicaea where the Church defended and affirmed the Apostles' teaching of the Trinity. In the Liturgy of the Hours, Holy Holy, Holy is used on Trinity Sunday.



HOLY, HOLY, HOLY by Reginald Heber, 1826 (Public Domain)

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.

Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

All Hail, Adorèd Trinity / Ave Colenda Trinitas

All Praise Eternal Unity

All Hail, Adored Trinity is a 1852 translation by John David Chambers (1803-1893) of the anonymous Anglo-Saxon Latin hymn, Ave, Colenda Trinitas (see 2nd video). Historic manuscripts show that Ave Co­len­da Trin­i­tas was in use in England prior to the Norman Invasion of 1066. It may have been an Office Hymn of the Sarum Rite used at Salisbury Cathedral. All Hail, Adored Trinity is set to the tune, Old Hundredth (Doxology) by Louis Bourgeois (c. 1510-1561) from the Genevan Psalter of 1551. In the Liturgy of the Hours it is used on Trinity Sunday and for Mid-Afternoon Prayer during Ordinary Time.



ALL HAIL, ADORÈD TRINITY by John Chandler, 1857 (Public Domain)

All hail, adorèd Trinity;
All hail, eternal Unity;
O God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit, ever One.

Behold to Thee, this festal day,
We meekly pour our thankful lay;
O let our work accepted be,
That sweetest work of praising Thee.

Three Persons praise we evermore,
One only God our hearts adore;
In Thy sure mercy ever kind
May we our true protection find.

O Trinity! O Unity!
Be present as we worship Thee;
And with the songs that angels sing
Unite the hymns of praise we bring.



AVE COLENDA TRINITAS, Anonymous (Public Domain)

Ave, colenda Trinitas;
ave, perennis unitas,
Pater Deus, Nate Deus,
et Deus alme Spiritus.

Haec tibi nunc gratuita
depromimus praeconia,
quae tibi sint gratissima
et nobis saluberrima.

Te trinum semper laudamus
atque unum adoramus:
tuae dulcis clementiae
sentiamus munimina.

O Trinitas, O Unitas,
adesto supplicantibus
et angelorum laudibus
admitte quod persolvimus.

Splendor of Creation (Send Forth Your Spirit)

Like a Cloud That Conceals Your Face

Splendor of Creation (Send Forth Your Spirit) was written by Fr. Lucien Deiss, C.S.Sp. (1921-2007). It was first published in 1965 as part of his collection: Biblical Hymns and Psalms, Volume I. His hymns are used throughout the Universal Church. They have been translated into many languages, an example of which is the spanish version, Oh Señor, Envía tu Espíritu (see video). In the Liturgy of the Hours, Send Forth Your Spirit (Splendor of Creation) is used at Pentecost.

Holy Spirit, God of Light / Veni Sancte Spiritus

Fill Us With Your Radiance Bright

Holy Spirit, God of Light is an Anthony G. Petti translation of the Latin Pentecost Sequence, Veni Sancte Spiritus (see 2nd video), attributed to the Catholic Archbishop of Canterbury, Stephen Langton (c. 1150-1228). He played a central role in the dispute between the Papacy and King John of England which led to the writing of the Magna Carta in 1215. He is also divided the books of the Bible into the chapter divisions still in use today. Holy Spirit, God of Light is set to the 1782 tune, Veni Sancte Spiritus by Samuel Webbe (1740-1816). A Catholic, Webbe also composed popular settings of O Salutaris and Tantum Ergo for use at Benediction. In the Liturgy of the Hours, Holy Spirit, God of Light is used at Pentecost.

 



VENI SANCTE SPIRITUS by Stephen Langton (Public Domain)

1. Veni, Sancte Spiritus, et emitte caelitus lucis tuae radium.

2. Veni, pater pauperum, veni, dator munerum, veni, lumen cordium.

3. Consolator optime, dulcis hospes animae, dulce refrigerium.

4. In labore requies, in aestu temperies, in fletu solatium.

5. O lux beatissima, reple cordis intima tuorum fidelium.

6. Sine tuo numine, nihil est in homine, nihil est innoxium.

7. Lava quod est sordidum, riga quod est aridum, sana quod est saucium.

8. Flecte quod est rigidum, fove quod est frigidum, rege quod est devium.

9. Da tuis fidelibus, in te confidentibus, sacrum septenarium.

10. Da virtutis meritum, da salutis exitum, da perenne gaudium.

The Spirit of God

The Spirit of God Rests on Me

The Spirit of God was written by Lucien Deiss, C.S.Sp. (1921-2007). It was first published in 1970 as part of the collection: Biblical Hymns and Psalms, Volume II. Fr. Deiss was a Priest of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. Known as Holy Ghost Fathers or Spiritans, from their founding in 1703, they have been dedicated to serving the poor and marginalized, and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the Liturgy of the Hours, The Spirit of God is used at Pentecost.

Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, Come / Veni Creator Spiritus

From Thy Bright Heavenly Home

Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, Come is an anonymous 1876 translation of the 9th century Latin hymn, Ve­ni Cre­at­or Spir­it­us attributed to Rabanus Maurus (766-856). A Benedictine monk and theologian who eventually became the Archbishop of Mainz; he is considered one of the most important writers of the Carolingian Age. Veni Creator Spiritus (Come Creator Spirit) is sung on Pentecost at Terce and Vespers in the Roman Breviary. As a solemn invocation of the Holy Spirit, it has long been used by the Church at the ordination of Priests, consecration of Bishops, and is the hymn sung by the Cardinals entering the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope. Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, Come is sung to Tallis' Ordinal. Throughout England's most turbulent period of religious change, Thomas Tallis (c.1510-1585) remained one of it's most important writers of sacred music. As composer and organist in the Chapel Royal from 1543 until his death in 1585, he composed and performed for Henry VIII, Edward VI, Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth I. In 1549, Tallis was commissioned by Matthew Parker, the (Anglican) Bishop of Canterbury to compose new music which would eventually be included in the Book of Common Prayer. Of the 9 tunes, the last was for the English translation of Ve­ni Cre­at­or Spir­itus which was to be used during the Rite of Ordination of Priests and Consecration of Bishops. The original text begins: "Come Holy Ghost, eternal God, which dost from God proceed; the Father first and eke the Son, one God as we do read." In the Liturgy of the Hours, Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, Come is used at Pentecost. Another translation of Ve­ni Cre­at­or Spir­it­us also used in the Liturgy of the Hours is Come, O Creator Sprit Blest.

Tune: Tallis' Ordinal

COME, HOLY GHOST, CREATOR, COME - Anonymous, 1876 (Public Domain)

1. Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, come,
From thy bright heav’nly throne,
Come take possession of our souls,
And make them all thy own.

2. Thou who art called the Paraclete,
Best gift of God above,
The living spring, the living fire,
Sweet unction and true love.

3. Thou who art sevenfold in thy grace,
Finger of God’s right hand
His promise teaching little ones
To speak an understand.

4. O guide our minds with thy blessed light,
With love our hearts inflame;
And with thy strength, which never decays
Confirm our mortal frame.

5. Far from us drive our deadly foe;
True peach unto us bring;
And through all perils lead us safe
Beneath thy sacred wing.

6. Through thee may we the Father know,
Through thee the eternal Son,
And thee, the Spirit of them both,
Thrice-blessed Three in One.

7. All glory to the Father be,
With his coequal Son;
The same to thee, great Paraclete,
While endless ages run.



VENI, CREATOR SPIRITUS - Rabanus Maurus (Public Domain)

1. Veni, creator Spiritus
mentes tuorum visita,
imple superna gratia,
quae tu creasti pectora.

2. Qui diceris Paraclitus,
altissimi donum Dei,
fons vivus, ignis,
caritas et spiritalis unctio.

3. Tu septiformis munere,
digitus paternae dexterae
tu rite promissum
Patris sermone ditans guttura.

4. Accende lumen sensibus,
infunde amorem cordibus,
infirma nostri corporis,
virtute firmans perpeti. 

5. Hostem repellas longius
pacemque dones protinus;
ductore sic te praevio
vitemus omne noxium.

6. Per te sciamus da Patrem
noscamus atque Filium,
te utriusque Spiritum
credamus omni tempore.

7. Deo Patri sit gloria,
et Filio qui a mortuis
Surrexit, ac Paraclito,
in saeculorum saecula. Amen.

The Head That Once Was Crowned with Thorns

Crowned With Glory Now

The Head That Once Was Crowned with Thorns was written is 1820 by Thomas Kelly (1769-1854). Born in Dublin, Ireland, Kelly took Holy Orders in the Church of England in 1792. He would eventually leave the Anglican Church, and set up a local independent congregation where he preached and lead worship services which included some of the 765 hymns he wrote during his life. The Head That Once Was Crowned with Thorns is set to the tune, Saint Magnus (Nottingham) written in 1707 by English baroque composer and organist, Jeremiah Clarke (c.1659-1707). In the Liturgy of the Hours it is used on Ascension.



THE HEAD THAT ONCE WAS CROWNED WITH THORNS by Thomas Kelly, 1820 (Public Domain)

1. The head that once was crowned with thorns
Is crowned with glory now:
A royal diadem adorns
The mighty victor’s brow.

2. The highest place that heav’n affords
Is surely his by right:
The King of kings and Lord of lords,
And heav’n’s eternal light.

3. The joy he is of all above,
The joy to all below:
To ev’ryone he shows his love,
And grants his name to know.

4. To them the cross, with all its shame,
With all its grace, is giv’n:
Their name an everlasting name.
Their joy the joy of heav’n.

5. The cross he bore is life and health,
Though shame and death to him;
His people’s hope, his people’s wealth,
Their everlasting theme.


Sung by the Choir of the King's School

Praise Him As He Mounts the Skies

He Will Come Again in Love, Alleluia!

Praise Him As He Mounts the Skies, first published in 1968, was written by the Scottish Jesuit priest, theologian and hymnwriter: James Quinn (1919-2010). From 1969 to 1976, Fr. Quinn acted in several capacities to the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL). They were responsible for the Vatican II translation of the Roman Rite from the original Latin into English; including the Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours. In the Divine Office, Praise Him As He Mounts the Skies is used at Ascension. It is sung to the tune: Lianfair (1817) written by Robert Williams (1781-1821).

Let the Earth Rejoice and Sing

Alleluia!

Let the Earth Rejoice and Sing was written by the Sulpician Priest, Fr. Melvin Farrell in 1955. It is set to the tune, Lianfair, first taken down in manuscript form in 1817 as sung by the blind Welch singer Robert Williams (1781-1821). In the Liturgy of the Hours, Let the Earth Rejoice and Sing is used at Ascension.

Christ the Lord is Risen Today (Leeson) / Victimae Paschali Laudes

Now He Lives No More to Die

Christ the Lord is Risen Today is a Jane E. Leeson (1808-1881) translation of the 11th century Latin Easter sequence, Victimae Paschali Laudes attributed to Wipo of Burgundy (c.995-c.1048). It was first published in 1851 as part of the collection: Rev. Henry Formby's Catholic Hymns, set to the anonymous hymn tune associated with it, Victimae Paschali Laudes. Both Leeson and Formby were converts to the Catholic Faith. At one time Leeson had been been involved in a little known Protestant sect that practiced "supernatural utterances", and Formby had been an Anglican Priest before being received into the Church in 1846. In the Liturgy of the Hours, Christ the Lord is Risen Today is used at Easter.



CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY by Jane Leeson, 1851 (Public Domain)

1. Christ the Lord is risen today;
Christians, haste your vows to pay;
Offer ye your praises meet
At the Paschal Victim’s feet.
For the sheep the Lamb hath bled,
Sinless in the sinner’s stead;
“Christ is risen,” today we cry;
Now He lives no more to die.

2. Christ, the Victim undefiled,
Man to God hath reconciled;
Whilst in strange and awful strife
Met together Death and Life:
Christians, on this happy day
Haste with joy your vows to pay;
“Christ is risen,” today we cry;
Now He lives no more to die.

3. Christ, who once for sinners bled,
Now the first born from the dead,
Throned in endless might and power,
Lives and reigns forevermore.
Hail, eternal Hope on high! Hail,
Thou King of victory! Hail,
Thou Prince of life adored!
Help and save us, gracious Lord.
 
Gregorian Chant

VICTIMAE PASCHALI LAUDES

Victimae paschali laudes
immolent Christiani.

Agnus redemit oves:
Christus innocens Patri
reconciliavit peccatores.

Mors et vita duello
conflixere mirando:
dux vitae mortuus,
regnat vivus.

Dic nobis Maria,
quid vidisti in via?

Sepulcrum Christi viventis,
et gloriam vidi resurgentis:

Angelicos testes,
sudarium, et vestes.

Surrexit Christus spes mea:
praecedet suos in Galilaeam.

Scimus Christum surrexisse
a mortuis vere:
tu nobis, victor Rex, miserere.
Amen. Alleluia.

Hail Thee, Festival Day / Salve, Festa Dies

Blest Day!

Hail Thee, Festival Day is a 1906 Anglican minister, Maurice F. Bell (1862-1947) translation of the Latin processional hymn for Easter, Sal­ve Fes­ta Di­es (sung by Schola Gregoriana Mediolanensis in the 2nd video) by Venan­ti­us For­tu­na­tus (c.530-c.609). After recovering from an eye ailment, in 565 he embarked on a pilgrimage from his native Italy to the Shrine of St. Martin of Tours, from whose intercession he attributed the healing. He became an important poet in the Merovingian Court and was eventually appointed Bishop of Poitiers. Although often referred to as a "Saint", he has never been formally canonized by the Church. The tune, Salve, Festa Dies was composed for Bell's text in 1906 by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958). In the Liturgy of the Hours, Hail Thee, Festival Day is used at Easter, Ascension, and Pentecost.

Tune: Salve, Festa Dies

HAIL THEE, FESTIVAL DAY by Maurice Bell, 1906 (Public Domain)

EASTER REFRAIN:
Hail thee, festival day!
Blessed day to be hallowed forever;
Day when our Lord was raised,
Breaking the kingdom of death.

ASCENSION REFRAIN:
Hail thee, festival day!
Blessed day to be hallowed forever;
Day when our risen Lord
Rose in the heavens to reign.

PENTECOST REFRAIN:
Hail thee, festival day!
Blessed day to be hallowed forever;
Day when the Holy Ghost
Shone in the world full of grace.

2. Lo, the fair beauty of the earth,
From the death of the winter arising!
Every good gift of the year
Now with its Master returns.

3. He who was nailed to the cross
Is Ruler and Lord of all people.
All things created on earth
Sing to the glory of God.

4. Daily the loveliness grows,
Adorned with glory of blossom;
Heaven her gates unbars,
Flinging her increase of light.

5. Rise from the grave now,
O Lord, The author of life and creation.
Treading the pathway of death,
New life You give to us all.

6. God the Almighty Lord,
The Ruler of earth and the heavens,
Guard us from harm without;
Cleanse us from evil within.

7. Jesus the health of the world,
Enlighten our minds, great
Redeemer, Son of the Father supreme,
Only begotten of God.

8. Spirit of life and of power,
Now flow in us, fount of our being,
Light that enlightens us all,
Life that in all may abide.

9. Praise to the giver of good!
O lover and author of concord,
Pour out your balm on our days;
Order our ways in your peace.



SALVE, FESTA DIES by Venantius Fortunatus (Public Domain)

REFRAIN:
Salve, festa dies, toto venerabilis aevo. qua deus infernum vicit et astra tenet

1. Ecce renascentis testatur gratia mundi omnia cum domino dona redisse suo.

2. Namque triumphanti post tristia Tartara Christo undique fronde nemus, gramina flore favent.

3. Legibus inferni oppressis super astra meantem laudant rite deum lux polus arva fretum.

4. Qui crucifixus erat, deus ecce per omnia regnat, dantque creatori cuncta creata precem. salve, festa dies.

5. Christe salus rerum, bone conditor atque redemptor, unica progenies ex deitate patris.

6. Qui genus humanum cernens mersisse profundo, ut hominem eriperes es quoque factus homo

7. Nec voluisti etenim tantum te corpore nasci, sed caro quae nasci, pertulit atque mori

8. Fexequias pateris vitae auctor et orbis, intras mortis iter dando salutis opem.

9. Tristia cesserunt infernae vincula legis expavitque chaos luminis ore premi.

10. Depereunt tenebrae Christi fulgore fugatae et tetrae noctis pallia crassa cadunt.

11. Pollicitam sed redde fidem, precor, alma potestas: tertia lux rediit, surge, sepulte meus.

12. Non decet. ut humili tumulo tua membra tegantur, neu pretium mundi vilia saxa premant.

13. Lintea, precor, sudaria linque sepulchro: tu satis es nobis et sine te nihil est.

14. Solvecatenatas inferni carceris umbras et revoca sursum quidquid ad ima ruit.

15. Redde tuam faciem, videant ut saecula lumen, redde diem qui nos te moriente fugit.

16. Sed plane inplesti remeans, pie victor, ad orbem: Tartara pressa iacent nec sua iura tenent.

17. Inferus insaturabiliter cava gruttura pandens, qui rapuit semper, fit tua praeda, deus.

18. Evomit absorptam trepide fera belua plebem et de fauce lupi subtrahit agrnus oves.

19. Rex sacer, ecce tui radiat pars magna triumphi, cum puras animas sancta lavacra beant

20. Candidus egreditur nitidis exercitus undis atque vetus vitium purgat in amne novo.

21. Fulgentes animas vestis quoque candida signat et grege de niveo gaudia pastor habet.

Alleluia! Sing to Jesus

In the Eucharistic Feast

Alleluia! Sing to Jesus was written by British surgeon and author, William Chatterton Dix (1837-1898). It was first published in 1867 as part of his collection, Al­tar Songs, Vers­es on the Ho­ly Eu­cha­rist. It was intended as a communion hymn for Ascension Sunday and was originally titled: "Redemption by the Precious Blood". It is sung to the 1830 tune, Hyfrydol by the Welsh composer and choir director, Rowland Prichard (1811-1887). Prichard was not a professional musician, he worked as a loom-tenders' assistant at a flannel manufacturing mill in Wales. In the Liturgy of the Hours, Alleluia! Sing to Jesus is used during Easter and on the  the Feast of Corpus Christi.



ALLELUIA! SING TO JESUS! by William Chatterton Dix, 1867 (Public Domain)

1. Alleluia! sing to Jesus! His the scepter, His the throne.
Alleluia! His the triumph, His the victory alone.
Hark! the songs of peaceful Zion thunder like a mighty flood.
Jesus out of every nation has redeemed us by His blood.

2. Alleluia! not as orphans are we left in sorrow now;
Alleluia! He is near us, faith believes, nor questions how;
Though the cloud from sight received Him when the forty days were o’er
Shall our hearts forget His promise, “I am with you evermore”?

3. Alleluia! bread of angels, Thou on earth our food, our stay;
Alleluia! here the sinful flee to Thee from day to day:
Intercessor, Friend of sinners, Earth’s Redeemer, plead for me,
Where the songs of all the sinless sweep across the crystal sea.

4. Alleluia! King eternal, Thee the Lord of lords we own;
Alleluia! born of Mary, Earth Thy footstool, Heav’n Thy throne:
Thou within the veil hast entered, robed in flesh our great High Priest;
Thou on earth both priest and victim in the Eucharistic feast.

Christ the Lord is Risen Today (Wesley)

Lives Again Our Glorious King

Christ the Lord is Risen Today was written by Charles Wesley (1707-1788). First published in 1739, it is based upon the 14th cen­tu­ry anonymous La­tin hymn, Surrexit Christus Hodie. Wesley's work was sung during the first worship service of a London Wesleyan Chapel. It is set to the tune Lianfair by the blind Welsh singer, Robert Williams (1781-1821). He make a living weaving baskets. Tunes he composed were eventually written down and compiled in a manuscript around 1817. Wesley's hymn is similar to Hymn #118 of the Office. In the Liturgy of the Hours, Christ the Lord is Risen Today is used with the Office for the Dead and during Easter.

Tune: Lianfair

CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY by Charles Wesley, 1739 (Public Domain)

1. Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

2. Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Lo! the Sun’s eclipse is over, Alleluia!
Lo! He sets in blood no more, Alleluia!

3. Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Alleluia!
Christ hath burst the gates of hell, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia!
Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!

4. Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

5. Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

6. Hail, the Lord of earth and Heaven, Alleluia!
Praise to Thee by both be given, Alleluia!
Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!
Hail, the resurrection, thou, Alleluia!

7. King of glory, Soul of bliss, Alleluia!
Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!
Thee to know, Thy power to prove, Alleluia!
Thus to sing and thus to love, Alleluia!

8. Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

9. But the pains that He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation have procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky He’s King, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!

10. Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

Ye Sons and Daughters / O Filii et Filiae

Let Us Sing!

Ye Sons and Daughters is an 1851 translation by the Anglican Priest and scholar, John Mason Neale (1818-1866) of the 15th century Latin hymn, O Filii Et Filiae (see 2nd video) attributed to the Franciscan friar, Jean Tisserand (d.1497). In his book, Medieval Hymns and Sequences (p.163) the Reverend Neale wrote of it: "It is scarcely possible for any one, not acquainted with the melody, to imagine the jubilant effect of the triumphant Alleluia attached to apparently less important circumstances of the Resurrection. It seems to speak of the majesty of that event, the smallest portions of which are worthy to be so chronicled" It is set to the traditional tune associated with O Filii Et Filiae. In the Liturgy of the Hours, O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing! is used during Easter.

Ye Sons and Daughters

YE SONS AND DAUGHTERS by John Neale, 1851 (Public Domain)

 Refrain: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

1. O sons and daughters of the King,
Whom heav'nly hosts in glory sing,
Today the grave hath lost its sting!
Alleluia!

2. That Easter morn, at break of day,
The faithful women went their way
To seek the tomb where Jesus lay.
Alleluia!

3. An angel clad in white they see
Who sits and speaks unto the three,
"Your Lord will go to Galilee."
Alleluia!

4. That night the Apostles met in fear;
Among them came their master dear
And said: "My peace be with you here."
Alleluia!

5. When Thomas first the tidings heard
That they had seen the risen Lord,
He doubted the disciples' word.
Alleluia!

6. "My pierced side, O Thomas, see,
And look upon My hands, My feet;
Not faithless but believing be."
Alleluia!

7. No longer Thomas then denied;
He saw the feet, the hands, the side;
"You are my Lord and God!" he cried.
Alleluia!

8. How blest are they that have not seen
And yet whose faith has constant been,
For they eternal life shall will.
Alleluia!

9. On this most holy day of days
Be laud and jubilee and praise:
To God your hearts and voices raise.
Alleluia!


O Filii et Filiae

O FILII ET FILIAE by Jean Tisserand, O.F.M., 15th Century

 R. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

1. O filii et filiae,
Rex caelestis, Rex gloriae
morte surrexit hodie.
Alleluia

2. Ex mane prima Sabbati
ad ostium monumenti
accesserunt discipuli.
Alleluia

3. Et Maria Magdalene,
et Iacobi, et Salome
Venerunt corpus ungere
Alleluia

4. In albis sedens angelus
praedixit mulieribus:
In Galilaea est Dominus.
Alleluia

5. Et Ioannes apostolus
cucurrit Petro citius,
monumento venit prius.
Alleluia

6. Discipulis astantibus,
in medio stetit Christus,
dicens: Pax vobis omnibus.
Alleluia

7. Ut intellexit Didymus
quia surrexerat Iesus,
remansit fere dubius.
Alleluia

8. Vide Thoma, vide latus,
vide pedes, vide manus,
noli esse incredulus.
Alleluia

9. Quando Thomas vidit Christum,
pedes, manus, latus suum,
dixit: Tu es Deus meus.
Alleluia

10. Beati qui non viderunt
et firmiter crediderunt;
vitam aeternam habebunt.
Alleluia

11. In hoc festo sanctissimo
sit laus et iubilatio:
benedicamus Domino.
Alleluia

12. Ex quibus nos humillimas
devotas atque debitas
Deo dicamus gratias.
Alleluia