Thee, O Christ, The Father's Splendour / Tibi Christe Splendor Patris

14th Century Byzantine Icon - Wikipedia

PROPER OF SAINTS - Thee, O Christ, the Father's Splendour is a 1851 translation by the Anglican Priest, Fr. John Mason Neale of Tibi Christe Splendor Patris usually ascribed to Rabanus Maurus (c.776-856). Educated under the Carolingian scholar, theologian, and poet Alcuin of York, Rabanus Maurus was ordained a Priest in 814, then made the Abbot of the Benedictine Abbey at Fulda in 822,  and after retiring was appointed Archbishop of Mainz in 847. In the Roman Breviary, Tibi Christe Splendor Patris is traditionally sung at Vespers and Matins on the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel (Sept. 29). Thee, O Christ, the Father's Splendour is sung to the tune: Unser Herrscher by the German composer Joachim Neander (1650-1680). Related: O Jesu, Life Springing of the Soul / Te Splendor et Virtus Patris.


THEE, O CHRIST, THE FATHER'S SPLENDOUR by John Mason Neale, 1851

1. Thee, O Christ, the Father's splendour,
Life and virtue of the heart,
In the presence of the Angels
Sing we now with tuneful art,
Meetly in alternate chorus
Bearing our responsive part.

2. Thus we praise with veneration
All the armies of the sky;
Chiefly him, the warrior Primate,
Of celestial chivalry,
Michael, who in princely virtue
Cast Abaddon from on high.

3. By whose watchful care repelling -
King of everlasting grace -
Every ghostly adversary,
All things evil, all things base,
Grant us of thine only goodness
In thy Paradise a place.

4. Laud and honour to the Father,
Laud and honour to the Son,
Laud and honour to the Spirit,
Ever Three, and ever One,
Consubstantial, co-eternal,
While unending ages run.

Tune: Unser Herrscher


TIBI CHRISTE SPLENDOR PATRIS attributed to Rabanus Maurus

1. Tibi Christe splendor Patris,
Vita, virtus cordium,
In conspectu Angelorum
Votis, voce psallimus:
Alternantes concrepando
Melos damus vocibus.

2. Collaudamus venerantes
Omnes coeli principes,
Sed praecipue primatem
Coelestis exercitus
Michaelem, in virtute
Conterentem zabulum.

3. Quo custode procul pelle,
Rex Christe piissime,
Omne nefas inimici:
Mundo corde et corpore
Paradiso redde tuo
Nos sola clementia.

4. Gloriam Patri melodis
Personemus vocibus:
Gloriam Christo canamus,
Gloriam Paraclito:
Qui trinus, et unus Deus
Exstat ante saecula.


Gregorian Chant

Come Spirit Blest, with God the Son / Nunc, Sancte, Nobis Spiritus

Painting by Carlo Dolci - Courtesy of Wikipedia

Come Spirit Blest, with God the Son is an 1852 translation by the Anglican priest, scholar and hymn-writer John M. Neale of the Office hymn for Terce: Nunc Sanc­te No­bis Spir­it­us, attributed to St. Am­brose of Mi­lan (337-397). In the Divine Office (1974), Come Spirit Blest with God the Son is used with the Office of Readings. The recommended musical setting is the tune: St. Ambrose. An alternative tune that can also be used is Eisenach, as featured in the following video.


Alternative Tune: Eisenach

COME, HOLY GHOST, WITH GOD THE SON by John M. Neale, 1852 (Public Domain)

1. Come, Holy Ghost, with God the Son
And God the Father, ever One;
Shed forth Thy grace within our breast,
And dwell with us a ready Guest.

2. By every power, by heart and tongue,
By act and deed, Thy praise be sung;
Inflame with perfect love each sense,
That others’ souls may kindle thence.

3. O Father, that we ask be done,
Through Jesus Christ, Thine only Son,
Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee,
Shall live and reign eternally.


Ambrosian Chant

NUNC, SANCTE, NOBIS SPIRITUS attributed to St. Ambrose (Public Domain)

1. Nunc, Sancte, nobis, Spiritus,
Unum Patri cum Filio,
Dignare promptus ingeri
Nostro refusus pectori.

2. Os, lingua, mens, sensus, vigor
Confessionem personent.
Flammescat igne caritas,
Accéndat ardor proximos.

3. Præsta, Pater piissime,
Patríque compar Unice,
Cum Spiritu Paraclito
Regnans per omne sæculum. Amen.


Gregorian Chant

O God of Truth and Lord of Power / Rector Potens Verax Deus

Whose Fiery Sun at Noonday Shines

O God of Truth and Lord of Power is an 1852 translation by the Anglican priest, scholar and hymn-writer John M. Neale of the Office hymn for Sext: Rec­tor Po­tens, Ver­ax De­us, attributed to St. Am­brose of Mi­lan (337-397). In the Divine Office (1974), O God of Truth and Lord of Power is used with the Office of Readings. The recommended tune in the Office is Severn View. An alternative tune that can also be used is Winchester New, as featured in the following video.


Tune: Winchester New

O GOD OF TRUTH, O LORD OF MIGHT by John Mason Neale, 1852 (Public Domain)

1. O God of truth, O Lord of might,
Who ord’rest time and change aright,
Bright’ning the morn with golden gleams,
Kindling the noonday’s fiery beams.

2. Quench Thou in us the flame of strife,
From passion’s heat preserve our life,
Our bodies keep from perils free,
And give our souls true peace in Thee.

3. Almighty Father, hear my cry
Through Jesus Christ our Lord most high,
Who with the Holy Ghost and Thee
Doth live and reign eternally.


Gregorian

RECTOR POTENS, VERAX DEUS

1. Rector potens, verax Deus,
qui temperas rerum vices,
splendore mane instruis
et ignibus meridiem,

2. Extingue flammas litium,
aufer calorem noxium,
confer salutem corporum
veramque pacem cordium.

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

Now that the Daylight Fills the Sky / Iam Lucis Orto Sidere

We Lift Our Hearts to God on High

Now that the Daylight Fills the Sky is a translation of the 6th century Latin hymn: Iam Lucis Orto Sidere, at­trib­ut­ed to St. Am­brose of Mi­lan (337-397). Also known as Jam Lucis Orto Sidere, it is traditionally sung at the morning hour of Prime in the Roman Breviary. In 1852 it was translated into English by the Anglican priest, scholar and hymn-writer: John M. Neale. In the Divine Office the suggested musical setting is Saxony. A more commonly used tune is Herr Jesu Christ, as featured in the following video. In the Divine Office, Now that the Daylight Fills the Sky is used at Morning Prayer.


Tune: Herr Jesu Christ

NOW THAT THE DAYLIGHT FILLS THE SKY by John M. Neale, 1852 (Public Domain)

1. Now that the daylight fills the sky,
We lift our hearts to God on high,
That He, in all we do or say,
Would keep us free from harm today.

2. May He restrain our tongues from strife,
And shield from anger’s din our life,
And guard with watchful care our eyes
From earth’s absorbing vanities.

3. O may our inmost hearts be pure,
From thoughts of folly kept secure,
And pride of sinful flesh subdued
Through sparing use of daily food.

4. So we, when this day’s work is o’er,
And shades of night return once more,
Our path of trial safely trod,
Shall give the glory to our God.

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


Ambrosian Chant

IAM LUCIS ORTO SIDERE by St. Ambrose
Listen

1. Iam lucis orto sidere,
Deum precemur supplices,
ut in diurnis actibus
nos servet a nocentibus.

2. Linguam refrenans temperet,
ne litis horror insonet,
visum fovendo contegat,
ne vanitates hauriat. 

3. Sint pura cordis intima,
absistat et vecordia:
carnis terat superbiam
potus cibique parcitas.

4. Ut cum dies abscesserit,
noctemque sors reduxerit,
mundi per abstinentiam
ipsi canamus gloriam. 

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

O Trinity of Blessed Light / O Lux Beata Trinitas

As Now the Fiery Sun Departs, Shed Thou Thy Beams Within Our Hearts

O Trinity of Blessed Light is a translation of the 4th century Latin hymn: O Lux Be­a­ta Trin­i­tas, attributed to St. Ambrose of Milan (340-397). It was revised under Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644) as Iam Sol Recedit Igneous, which is used in the Roman Breviary for Saturday Vespers and on Trinity Sunday. In 1851 the original text by Ambrose was translated into English by John Mason Neale (1818-1866) as O Trinity of Blessed Light. It is set to Tallis' Canon by Thomas Tallis (1505-1585). In the Divine Office it is sung at Evening Prayer.


Tune: Tallis' Canon

O TRINITY OF BLESSÈD LIGHT by John Mason Neale, 1851 (Public Domain)

1. O Trinity of blessed light,
O Unity of princely might,
the fiery sun now goes his way;
shed thou within our hearts thy ray.

2. To thee our morning song of praise,
to thee our evening prayer we raise;
O grant us with thy saints on high
to praise thee through eternity.

3. All laud to God the Father be;
all praise, eternal Son, to thee;
all glory, as is ever meet,
to God the holy Paraclete.
 

O Lux Beata Trinitas (Chant) - Verses 1, 2, 1

O LUX BEATA TRINITAS by St. Ambrose

1. O lux beata Trinitas,
et principalis Unitas,
iam sol recedit igneus,
infunde lumen cordibus.

2. Te mane laudum carmine,
te deprecemur vespere:
te nostra supplex gloria
per cuncta laudet saecula.

3. Deo Patri sit gloria,
eiusque soli Filio,
cum Spiritu Paraclito,
et nunc, et in perpetuum.
             OR
Christum rogamus et Patrem
Christi Patrisque Spiritum
unum potens per omnia
fove precantes Trinitas.

O Lux Beata Trinitas (Hymn) - Verses 1, 2, 3

O Jesu Thou the Virgins' Crown / Je­su Co­ro­na Vir­gin­um / Ie­su Co­ro­na Vir­gin­um

Adoring All Thy Chosen Brides

O Jesu Thou the Virgins' Crown is a translation of the 4th century Latin hymn, Je­su Co­ro­na Vir­gin­um (see 2nd video) attributed to St. Ambrose of Milan (c.340-397). In the Roman Breviary it is traditionally sung at Vespers and Lauds in the Common of Virgins. In the 19th century a dozen or so English translations were written, among them: the 1854 work O Jesu Thou the Virgins' Crown by Anglican priest, scholar and prolific hymn-writer, John M. Neale (1818-1866). It is sung to the tune, St. Bernard by William Henry Monk (1823-1889). An alternative tune is Tallis' Canon, as featured in the 1st video.

Tune: Tallis' Canon

O JESU, THOU THE VIRGIN'S CROWN by John M. Neale

1. O Jesu, the virgins’ Crown, do Thou
Accept us as in prayer we bow,
Born of that virgin whom alone
The mother and the maid we own.

2. Amongst the lilies Thou dost feed,
And thither choirs of virgins lead,
Adorning all Thy chosen brides
With glorious gifts Thy love provides.

3. And whither, Lord, Thy footsteps wend,
The virgins still with praise attend;
For Thee they pour their sweetest song,
And after Thee rejoicing throng.

4. O gracious Lord, we Thee implore
Thy grace on every sense to pour;
From all pollution keep us free,
And make us pure in heart for Thee.

5. All praise to God the Father be,
All praise, Eternal Son, to Thee,
Whom with the Spirit we adore
For ever and for evermore.


Sung by the Benedictine Nuns at the Abbey of Regina Laudis from the album, Women in Chant.

JESU CORONA VIRGINUM / IESU CORONA VIRGINUM

1. J(I)esu corona Virginum,
quem Mater illa concipit
quae sola Virgo parturit,
haec vota clemens accipe.

2. Qui pascis inter lilia,
septus choreis Virginum
sponsas decorans gloria,
sponsisque reddens praemia.

3. Quocumque pergis, virgines
sequuntur, atque laudibus
post te canentes cursitant
hymnosque dulces personant.

4. Te deprecamur largius
nostris adauge sensibus
nescire prorsus omnia,
corruptionis vulnera.

5. Virtus, honor, laus, gloria,
Deo Patri cum Filio,
Sancto simul Paraclito
In saeculorum saecula.

Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain

Raise the Strain of Triumphant Gladness

Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain is a translation of an 8th century Greek canon by St. John of Da­mas­cus (675-749). It was composed around the year 750, to be used for the first Sunday after Easter. It is based upon the 'Song of Moses' from Exodus 15. Such canons, or hymns in the Eastern Church depict Salvation History using Old Testament 'types' and prefigurements that are fulfilled and made real in the New Testament. In 1859 the text was translated into English by the Anglican minister, John M. Neale, (1818-1866) and set to the 1872 tune: St. Ke­vin by Sir. Ar­thur Sul­li­van (1842-1900). In the Divine Office, Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain is used during Easter Season.

Tune: St. Kevin

COME, YE FAITHFUL, RAISE THE STRAIN
by John M. Neale, 1859, Public Domain

Come, ye faithful, raise the strain of triumphant gladness;
God hath brought forth Israel into joy from sadness;
Loosed from Pharaoh’s bitter yoke Jacob’s sons and daughters,
Led them with unmoistened foot through the Red Sea waters.

’Tis the spring of souls today; Christ has burst His prison,
And from three days’ sleep in death as a sun hath risen;
All the winter of our sins, long and dark, is flying
From His light, to Whom we give laud and praise undying.

Now the queen of seasons, bright with the day of splendor,
With the royal feast of feasts, comes its joy to render;
Comes to glad Jerusalem, who with true affection
Welcomes in unwearied strains Jesus’ resurrection.

Neither might the gates of death, nor the tomb’s dark portal,
Nor the watchers, nor the seal hold Thee as a mortal;
But today amidst the twelve Thou didst stand, bestowing
That Thy peace which evermore passeth human knowing.

“Alleluia!” now we cry to our King immortal,
Who, triumphant, burst the bars of the tomb’s dark portal;
“Alleluia!” with the Son, God the Father praising,
“Alleluia!” yet again to the Spirit raising.

Of the Father's Love Begotten / Corde Natus Ex Parentis

Evermore and Evermore

Of the Father's Love Begotten is a translation of the Latin poem, Corde Natus Ex Parentis 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. The original 1851 English translation by John Mason Neale (1818-1866) was later edited and re-edited by Henry W. Baker (1821-1877) and Roby Furley Davis (1866–1937) for various hymnals of the Church of England. It is set to the tune, Divinum Mysterium, first published in 1582 in the Piae Cantiones, and based upon an ancient plainchant melody (see 2nd video). In the Divine Office, Of the Father's Love Begotten is used during the Christmas Season and related Feast Days of the Nativity.





Corde natus ex parentis
Ante mundi exordium
A et O cognominatus,
ipse fons et clausula
Omnium quae sunt, fuerunt,
quaeque post futura sunt.
Saeculorum saeculis.

The Eternal Gifts of Christ the King / Aeterna Christi Munera

Their Faith in Christ the Lord Prevailed

The Eternal Gifts of Christ the King is a 1851 John Mason Neale (1818-1866) translation of the Ambrosian hymn, Ae­ter­na Christi Mu­nera by St. Ambrose of Milan (340-397). Originally it was sung on Feast Days of Martyrs. In the Roman Breviary it was revised for use during Matins on Feast Days of the Apostles and Evangelists. The Eternal Gifts of Christ the King is set to the 15th century melody, Deo Gratias (Agincourt Carol) attributed to the English composer, John Dunstable (c.1390-1453). It is more commonly associated with the tune, Ae­ter­na Christi Mu­nera. In the Liturgy of the Hours, it is used in the Commons of the Apostles.


Tune: Deo Gratias (Agincourt Carol)

THE ETERNAL GIFTS OF CHRIST THE KING by John Mason Neale, 1851 (Public Domain)

1. The eternal gifts of Christ the King,
The Apostles’ glorious deeds, we sing;
And while due hymns of praise we pay,
Our thankful hearts cast grief away.

2. The Church in these her princes boasts,
These victor chiefs of warriors hosts;
The soldiers of the heavenly hall,
The lights that rose on earth for all.

3. ’Twas thus the yearning faith of saints,
The unconquered hope that never faints,
The love of Christ that knows not shame,
The prince of this world overcame.

4. In these the Father’s glory shone;
In these the will of God the Son;
In these exults the Holy Ghost;
Through these rejoice the heavenly host.

5. Redeemer, hear us of Thy love,
That, with this glorious band above,
Hereafter, of Thine endless grace,
Thy servants also may have place.


Chant: (Verses 1,2,_,_,3,_,_)*

AETERNA CHRISTI MUNERA (Public Domain)

 1. Aeterna Christi munera,
 Apostolorum gloriam,
 Palmas et hymnos debitos
 Laetis canamus mentibus.

2. Ecclesiarum Principes,
Belli triumphales duces
Ccelestis aulae milites,
Et vera mundi lumina.

3. Devota sanctorum fides,
Invicta spes credentium,
Perfecta Christi caritas
Mundi tyrannum content. 

4. In his Paterna gloria,
In his triumphat Filius,
In his voluntas Spiritus,
Coelum repletur gaudio.

5. Patri, simulque Filio,
Tibique sancte Spiritus,
Sicut fuit, sit jugiter
Sseclum per omne gloria.

*The above Latin text is from: ‘Hymns of the Breviary and Missal', Britt (1922). It is unfortunately not an exact match with the video, as sung by Giovanni Vianini.

The God Whom Earth and Sea and Sky / Quem Terra, Pontus, Aethera / Quem Terra, Pontus, Sidera

Whose Might They Own, Whose Praise They Tell

The God Whom Earth and Sea and Sky is a John Mason Neale (1818-1866) translation of the 6th century Latin in hymn, Quem Terra, Pontes, Aethera (see 2nd video) attributed to the Bishop of Tours, Venantius Fortunatus (c.530-c.600). According to changes made to the Roman Breviary in 1632, the hymn was sung on Feast Days of the Blessed Virgin Mary in two parts: the first at Matins and the other, O Gloriosa Virginum at Lauds. The God Whom Earth and Sea and Sky is set to the tune: Eisenach by the Lutheran Pastor, Johann Hermann Schein (1586-1630). In the Liturgy of the Hours it is used in the Commons of the Blessed Virgin Mary.



THE GOD WHOM EARTH, AND SEA, AND SKY by John M. Neale, 1854 (Public Domain)

 1. The God Whom earth, and sea, and sky,
Adore, and laud, and magnify,
Who o’er their threefold fabric reigns,
The virgin’s spotless womb contains.

 2. The God Whose will by moon and sun
And all things in due course is done,
Is borne upon a maiden’s breast,
By fullest heavenly grace possest.

3. How blest the mother, in whose shrine
The great Artificer Divine,
Whose hand contains the earth and sky,
Vouchsafed, as in His ark, to lie!

4. Blest, in the message Gabriel brought;
Blest, by the work the Spirit wrought:
From whom the Great Desire of earth
 Took human flesh and human birth. 

5. All honor, laud, and glory be,
O Jesu, virgin-born, to Thee!
All glory, as is ever meet,
To Father and to Paraclete.

Quem Terra, Pontus, Aethera: Sacred Motet by William Byrd

QUEM TERRA, PONTUS, AETHERA by Venan­ti­us For­tu­na­tus

1. Quem terra, pontus, aethera
colunt, adorant, praedicant,
trinam regentem machinam
claustrum Mariae baiulat.

2. Cui Luna, Sol, et omnia
deserviunt per tempora,
perfusa caeli gratia,
gestant Puellae viscera.

3. Beata Mater, munere,
cuius supernus Artifex,
mundum pugillo continens,
ventris sub arca clausus est.

4. Beata caeli nuntio,
fecunda Sancto Spiritu,
desideratus Gentibus,
cuius per alvum fusus est.

5. Iesu, Tibi sit gloria,
qui natus es de Virgine,
cum Patre, et almo Spiritu,
in sempiterna saecula. Amen.


Quem Terra, Pontus, Sidera

QUEM TERRA, PONTUS, SIDERA (1632 Revision)

1. Quem terra, pontus, sidera
colunt, adorant, praedicant,
trinam regentem machinam
claustrum Mariae baiulat.

2. Cui Luna, Sol, et omnia
deserviunt per tempora,
perfusa caeli gratia,
gestant Puellae viscera.

3. Beata Mater, munere,
cuius supernus Artifex,
mundum pugillo continens,
ventris sub arca clausus est.

4. Beata caeli nuntio,
fecunda Sancto Spiritu,
desideratus Gentibus,
cuius per alvum fusus est.

5. Iesu, Tibi sit gloria,
qui natus es de Virgine,
cum Patre, et almo Spiritu,
in sempiterna saecula. Amen.

Christ is Made Our Sure Foundation / Angularis Fundamentum / Alto Ex Olympi Vertice

Christ is Head and Cornerstone

Christ is Made Our Sure Foundation is an Anthony G. Petti adaption of the 1851 Rev. John Mason Neale (1818-1866) translation of the 7th century anonymous Latin hymn: Angularis Fundamentum, which was the original hymn at Lauds for the Common of the Dedication of a Church in the Roman Breviary. Under Pope Urban VIII, it was revised and changed to Alto Ex Olympi Vertice. Both versions are shown below. Christ is Made the Sure Foundation is set to the tune, Westminster Abbey (Belville), an anthem written in 1680 by the English Baroque composer Henry Purcell (1659-1895) and later adapted for use as a hymn by Ernest Hawkins (1802-1868). In the Liturgy of the Hours, Christ is Made Our Sure Foundation is used for the Commons of the Dedication of a Church.

Tune: Westminster Abbey (Belville)

CHRIST IS MADE THE SURE FOUNDATION by John Neale, 1851 (Public Domain)

1. Christ is made the sure Foundation,
Christ the Head and Cornerstone;
Chosen of the Lord, and precious,
Binding all the Church in one,
Holy Zion’s Help forever,
And her Confidence alone.

2. All that dedicated city,
Dearly loved of God on high,
In exultant jubilation,
Pours perpetual melody,
God the One in Three adoring
In glad hymns eternally.

3. To this temple, where we call Thee,
Come, O Lord of Hosts, today;
With Thy wonted lovingkindness
Hear Thy servants as they pray.
And Thy fullest benediction
Shed within its walls alway.

4. Here vouchsafe to all Thy servants
What they ask of Thee to gain;
What they gain from Thee forever
With the blessèd to retain,
And hereafter in Thy glory
Evermore with Thee to reign.

5. Laud and honor to the Father,
Laud and honor to the Son,
Laud and honor to the Spirit,
Ever Three and ever One;
Consubstantial, co-eternal,
While unending ages run.

Gregorian Chant

ANGULARIS FUNDAMENTUM

1. Angularis fundamentum
lapis Christus missus est,
qui parietum compage
in utroque nectitur,
quem Sion sancta suscepit,
in quo credens permanet.

2. Omnis illa Deo sacra
et dilecta civitas,
plena modulis in laude
et canore jubilo,
trinum Deum unicumque
cum fervore prædicat.

3. Hoc in templo, summe Deus,
exoratus adveni,
et clementi bonitate
precum vota suscipe;
largam benedictionem
hic infunde jugiter.

4. Hic promereantur omnes
petita acquirere
et adepta possidere
cum sanctis perenniter,
paradisum introire
translati in requiem.

5. Gloria et honor Deo
usquequaque altissimo,
una Patri Filioque
inclyto Paraclito,
Cui laus est et potestas
per æterna sæcula.


ALTO EX OLYMPI VERTICE (1632 Revision)

1. Alto ex Olympi vertice
Summi Parentis Filius,
Ceu monte desectus lapis
Terras in imas decidens,
Domus supernae, et infimae,
Utrumque junxit angulum.

2. Sed ilia sedes coelitum
Semper resultat laudibus,
Deumque Trinum et Unicum
Jugi canore preedicat:
Illi canentes jungimur
Almae Sionis eemuli.

3. Haec templa, Rex coelestium,
Imple benigno lumine:
Huc o rogatus adveni,
Plebisque vota suscipe,
Et nostra corda jugiter
Perfunde coeli gratia.

4. Hie impetrent fidelium
Voces precesque supplicum
Domus beatae munera,
Partisque donis gaudeant:
Donee soluti corpore
Sedes beatas impleant.

5. Decus Parenti debitum
Sit usquequaque Altissimo,
Natoque Patris unico,
Et inclyto Paraclito,
Cui laus, potestas, gloria
Sterna sit per saecula. Amen

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.

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

The Day of Resurrection

From Earth to Heavens Height

The Day of Resurrection is an Anthony G. Petti adaption of the John Mason Neale (1818–1866) translation of an 8th century Greek hymn by St. John of Damascus (c.676-c.749). The text is drawn from the first Ode of his "Golden Canon", traditionally sung with the lighting of the candles at the Easter Vigil. Also known as St. John Damascene, this Doctor of the Church is often referred to as the "Last of the Early Church Fathers". He is best known for his defence of the veneration of sacred images, statues and icons of which he wrote in On the Divine Images: "I do not worship matter; I worship the Creator of matter who became matter for my sake, who willed to take His abode in matter; who worked out my salvation through matter. Never will I cease honoring the matter which wrought my salvation!" Neale's translation is set to the 1784 tune Ellacombe. In the Liturgy of the Hours, The Day of Resurrection is used at Easter.
 
Tune: Ellacombe

THE DAY OF RESURRECTION by John Mason Neale, 1853 (Public Domain)

1. The day of resurrection! Earth, spread the news abroad;
The Paschal feast of gladness, the Paschal feast of God.
From death to life eternal, from earth to heaven's height,
Our Savior Christ has brought us, the glorious Lord of Light.

2. Our hearts be free from evil, that we may see aright
The Savior resurrected in his eternal light,
And hear his message plainly, delivered calm and clear:
"Rejoice with me in triumph; Be glad and do not fear."

3. His love is everlasting; His mercies never cease;
The resurrected Savior, will all our joys increase.
He'll keep us in his favor, supply the holy grace
to all his pilgrim people who seek his heavenly place.

4. Now let the heavens be joyful, and earth the song begin.
The whole world keep high triumph, and all that is therein.
Let all things in creation their notes of gladness blend,
For Christ the Lord is risen, our joy that hath no end.

The Word of God Proceeding Forth / Verbum Supernum Prodiens

The Cross, Their Ransom Dearly Paid

The Word of God Proceeding Forth is an english translation of the original latin hymn written in 1264: Verbum Supernum (see 2nd video) by St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274). In the Roman Breviary it is used as the hymn at Lauds in the Office for the Feast of Corpus Christi. The final two stanzas are often sung at Benediction as the hymn: O Salutaris Hostia (O Saving Victim). In 2008, the Catholic recording artist Tom Booth added a praise chorus to the english text for his song: O Salutaris Hostia (O Saving Lamb). The version of The Word of God Proceeding Forth used in the Liturgy of the Hours is a combination of the work of three writers: John Mason Neale (1818-1866), Fr. Edward Caswall (1814-1878), and Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844-1889). It is set to the 1790 tune Rockingham, attributed to Ed­ward Mill­er (1735-1807). In the Liturgy of the Hours it is used during Holy Week.

Tune: Rockingham

THE HEAVENLY WORD PROCEEDING FORTH by John Mason Neale, Edward Caswall, and others. (Public Domain)

1. The heavenly Word proceeding forth,
yet not leaving the Father's side,
went forth upon His work on earth
and reached at length life's eventide.

2. By false disciple to be given
to foemen for His Blood athirst,
Himself, the living Bread from heaven,
He gave to His disciples first.

3. To them He gave, in twofold kind,
His very Flesh, His very Blood:
of twofold substance man is made,
and He of man would be the Food.

4. By birth our fellowman was He,
our Food while seated at the board;
He died, our ransomer to be;
He ever reigns, our great reward.

5. O saving Victim, opening wide
the gate of heaven to all below:
our foes press on from every side;
Thine aid supply, Thy strength bestow.

6. To Thy great Name be endless praise,
immortal Godhead, One in Three!
O grant us endless length of days
in our true native land with Thee. Amen.

Gregorian Chant

VERBUM SUPERNUM PRODIENS by St. Thomas Aquinas, 1264

1. Verbum supernum prodiens,
nec Patris linquens dexteram,
ad opus suum exiens,
venit ad vitae vesperam.

2. In mortem a discipulo
suis tradendus aemulis,
prius in vitae ferculo
se tradidit discipulis.

3. Quibus sub bina specie
carnem dedit et sanguinem;
ut duplicis substantiae
totum cibaret hominem.

4. Se nascens dedit socium,
convescens in edulium,
se moriens in pretium,
se regnans dat in praemium.

5. O salutaris hostia,
quae caeli pandis ostium,
bella premunt hostilia;
da robur, fer auxilium.

6. Uni trinoque Domino
sit sempiterna gloria:
qui vitam sine termino
nobis donet in patria. Amen.

All Glory, Praise, and Honor / Gloria, Laus et Honor

Icon by Emmanuel Tzanes - Courtesy of Wikipedia

All Glory, Praise, and Honor is a 1851 translation by John Mason Neale of the original latin hymn, Gloria, Laus, et Honor by Theodulph, Bishop of Orleans (c.760-821). He was also an Abbot, an important poet of the Carolingian Renaissance, and he acted as a theological adviser to Charlemagne. A later Emperor would have Theodulph imprisoned. It was there in 820 that he wrote Gloria, Laus, et Honor. He is said to have recited his hymn to the true King from the window of his cell as the Emperor's procession passed by on Palm Sunday. The bottom video features the original latin hymn as sung at St. Peter's Bacilica during Palm Sunday procession. All Glory, Laud, and Honor is sung to the tune, St. Theodulph by Melchoir Teschner (1584-1635) published in 1615. In the Liturgy of the Hours it is used on Palm Sunday.

Tune: St. Theodulph

ALL GLORY, LAUD AND HONOR by John Mason Neale, 1851 (Public Domain)

Refrain: All glory, laud and honor,
              To Thee, Redeemer, King,
              To Whom the lips of children
              Made sweet hosannas ring.

1. Thou art the King of Israel,
Thou David’s royal Son,
Who in the Lord’s Name comest,
The King and Blessèd One.

2. The company of angels
Are praising Thee on High,
And mortal men and all things
Created make reply.

3. The people of the Hebrews
With palms before Thee went;
Our prayer and praise and anthems
Before Thee we present.

4. To Thee, before Thy passion,
They sang their hymns of praise;
To Thee, now high exalted,
Our melody we raise.

5. Thou didst accept their praises;
Accept the prayers we bring,
Who in all good delightest,
Thou good and gracious King.

Gregorian Chant

GLORIA, LAUS ET HONOR

Refrain: Gloria, laus et honor
              tibi sit, Rex Christe, Redemptor:
              Cui puerile decus prompsit
              Hosanna pium.

1. Israel es tu Rex, Davidis et
inclyta proles:
Nomine qui in Domini,
Rex benedicte, venis.

2. Coetus in excelsis te laudat
caelicus omnis,
Et mortalis homo, et cuncta
creata simul.

3. Plebs Hebraea tibi cum palmis
obvia venit:
Cum prece, voto, hymnis,
adsumus ecce tibi.

4. Hi tibi passuro solvebant
munia laudis:
Nos tibi regnanti pangimus
ecce melos

5. Hi placuere tibi, placeat
devotio nostra:
Rex bone, Rex clemens, cui
bona cuncta placent.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel / Veni, Veni, Emmanuel

Rejoice! Rejoice!, O Israel

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel is a translation by the Anglican Minister, John Mason Neale (1818-1866) of the original latin Vespers hymn Veni Veni Emmanuel (see 2nd video), sung during Advent. It draws upon Matthew's Nativity narrative (1:23) where he quotes the Septuagint (Isaiah 7:14) - "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign. Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel." The music is an adaption by Thomas Helmore (1811-1890) of a 15th Century French Franciscan Processional some scholars attribute to an earlier 8th Century Gregorian Chant. In the Liturgy of the Hours, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel is used during Advent. Related: O Come, Now Rod of Jesse's Stem.



O COME, O COME, EMMANUEL by John M. Neale, 1851 (Public Domain)

1. O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.

Refrain:  Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

2. O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who orderest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.

3. O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory over the grave.

4. O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.

 5. O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.

 6. O come, O come, great Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height
In ancient times once gave the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.

 7. O come, Thou Root of Jesse’s tree,
An ensign of Thy people be;
Before Thee rulers silent fall;
All peoples on Thy mercy call.

 8. O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.


Latin Verses: 1, 6, 5, 3 (see below) - preformed by Haley Westernra

VENI, VENI, EMMANUEL (Public Domain)

1. Veni, Veni, Emmanuel
 captivum solve Israel,
qui gemit in exsilio,
privatus Dei Filio.

Refrain: Gaude! Gaude! Emmanuel, nascetur pro te Israel!

2. Veni, O Sapientia,
quae hic disponis omnia,
veni, viam prudentiae
ut doceas et gloriae.

3. Veni, veni, Adonai,
qui populo in Sinai
legem dedisti vertice
in maiestate gloriae.

4. Veni, O Iesse virgula,
ex hostis tuos ungula,
de spectu tuos tartari
educ et antro barathri.

5. Veni, Clavis Davidica,
regna reclude caelica,
fac iter tutum superum,
et claude vias inferum.

6. Veni, veni O Oriens,
solare nos adveniens,
noctis depelle nebulas,
dirasque mortis tenebras.

7. Veni, veni, Rex Gentium,
veni, Redemptor omnium,
ut salvas tuos famulos
peccati sibi conscios.

Creator of the Stars at Night / Conditor Alme Siderum

All Things in Heaven and Earth Adore

Creator of the Stars at Night is a translation of the anonymous 7th century Latin hymn, Conditor alme siderum, used in the Roman Breviary at Vespers during Advent. It was translated into English by the Anglican priest, scholar and hymn-writer: John Mason Neale (1818-1866). Though he remained committed to the Church of England throughout his life, Neale's adaption of latin works into the Anglican canon attracted opposition and personal attacts from fellow churchmen, especially after Cardinal Newman's conversion to Catholicism. It is sung to Sarum Plainnsong, Mode IV. The Sarum Rite originated during the Middle Ages at the Cathedral of Salisbury, in southern England. It eventually became the standard for many English non-monastic institutions such as cathedrals, colleges, and chapels up until the time of the Reformation. Post-reformation era English liturgical works and polyphony are rooted in the Sarum Rite. In the Liturgy of the Hours, Creator of the Stars at Night is used during Advent.

Tune: Creator Alme Siderum

CREATOR OF THE STARS OF NIGHT by John M. Neale, 1852 (Public Domain)

1. Creator of the stars of night,
Thy people’s everlasting light,
Jesu, Redeemer, save us all,
And hear Thy servants when they call.

2. Thou, grieving that the ancient curse
Should doom to death a universe,
Hast found the medicine, full of grace,
To save and heal a ruined race.

3. Thou cam’st, the Bridegroom of the bride,
As drew the world to evening-tide;
Proceeding from a virgin shrine,
The spotless Victim all divine.

4. At Whose dread Name, majestic now,
All knees must bend, all hearts must bow;
And things celestial Thee shall own,
And things terrestrial, Lord alone.

5. O Thou Whose coming is with dread
To judge and doom the quick and dead,
Preserve us, while we dwell below,
From every insult of the foe.

6. To God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit, Three in One,
Laud, honor, might, and glory be
From age to age eternally.


Tune: Creator Alme Siderum

CONDITOR ALME SIDERUM (Public Domain)

1. Conditor alme siderum,
aeterna lux credentium,
Christe, redemptor omnium,
exaudi preces supplicum.

2. Qui condolens interitu
mortis perire saeculum,
salvasti mundum languidum,
donans reis remedium.

3. Vergente mundi vespere,
uti sponsus de thalamo,
egressus honestissima
Virginis matris clausula.

4. Cuius forti potentiae
genu curvantur omnia;
caelestia, terrestria
nutu fatentur subdita.

5. Te, Sancte, fide quaesumus,
venture iudex saeculi,
conserva nos in tempore
hostis a telo perfidi.

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


Gregorian Chant