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
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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.