Christo Profusum Sanguinem

Painting by Jean-Leon Gerome - Courtesy of Wikipedia

Christo Profusum Sanguinem is attributed the Bishop of Milan, St. Ambrose of Milan (340-397). It is sung at 1st Vespers in the Common of Several Martyrs of the Roman Breviary.

CHRISTO PROFUSUM SANGUINEM

1. Christo profusum sanguinem
Et Martyrum victorias,
Dignamque cælo lauream
Lætis sequamur vocibus.

2. Terrore victo sæculi
Pœnisque spretis corporis
Mortis sacræ compendio
Lucem beatam possident. 

3. Traduntur igni martyres
Et bestiarum dentibus,
Armata sævit ungulis
Tortoris insani manus.

4. Nudata pendent viscera,
Sanguis sacratus funditur,
Sed permanent immobiles.
Vitæ perennis gratia.

5. Te nunc, redemptor, quæsumus,
Ut martyrum consortio
Iungas precantes servulos
In sempiterna sæcula.

Tristes Erant Apostoli

1864 French Illustration - Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Tristes Erant Apostoli is an anonymous Ambrosian hymn dating back to the 4th or 5th century. It is one of 3 hymns which have been derived from longer hymn, Aurora Lucis Rutilat. In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644), Tristes Erant Apostoli was altered and changed to Tristes Erant Apostoli (1632). Both versions are shown below. It is sung in the Common of Apostles of the Roman Breviary during Easter Season.

TRISTES ERANT APOSTOLI

1. Tristes erant apostoli
de neces sui Domini
quem poena mortis crudelis
servi damnavunt impii.

2. Sermone blando Angelus
praedixit mulieribus in
Galilaeam Dominus
videntes est quantocius.

3. Illae dum pergunt concitae
apostolis hoc dicere,
videntes eum vivere,
osculant pedes Domini.

4. Quo agnito discipuli
in Galilaeam propere
pergunt videre faciem
desideratam Domini.

5. Esto perenne mentibus
paschale, Iesu, gaudium
et nos renatos gratine
tuis triumphis aggrega.

6. Gloria tibi, Domine
qui surrexisti a mortuis
cum Patre et Sancto Spiritu
in sempiterna saecula. Amen.


TRISTES ERANT APOSTOLI (1632 Revision)

1. Tristes erant Apostoli
De Christi acerbo funere,
Quem morte crudelissima
Servi necarant impii.

2. Sermone verax Angelus
Mulieribus praedixerat:
Mox ore Christus gaudium
Gregi feret fidelium. 

3. Ad anxios Apostolos
Currunt statim dum nuntiae,
Illae micantis obvia
Christi tenent vestigia.

4. Galilaeae ad alta montium
Se conferunt Apostoli,
Jesuque, voti compotes,
Almo beantur lumine. 

5. Ut sis perenne mentibus
 Paschale Jesu gaudium;
 A morte dira criminum
 Vita? renatos libera.

6 Deo Patri sit gloria,
 Et Filio, qui a mortuis
 Surrexit, ac Paraclito,
 In sempiterna saecula.

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.

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.

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.

Aeterne Rerum Conditor

Mosaic of St. Ambrose - Courtesy of Wikipedia

Aeterne Rerum Conditor is by the Bishop of Milan, St. Ambrose of Milan (340-397). It is one of just four Ambrosian chants that modern scholars ascribe with certainty to Ambrose. Of the hymns sung in the Church of Milan at that time, St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430) writes in The Confessions: "How greatly did I weep in Your hymns and canticles, deeply moved by the voices of Your sweet-speaking Church! The voices flowed into mine ears, and the truth was poured forth into my heart, whence the agitation of my piety overflowed, and my tears ran over, and blessed was I therein.".  In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644) it was changed to Aeterne Rerum Conditor (1632). Both versions are shown below. It is sung at Sunday Lauds in the Roman Breviary.


Ambrosian Chant

AETERNE RERUM CONDITOR by St. Ambrose

1. Aeterne rerum conditor,
noctem diemque qui regis,
et temporum das tempora,
ut alleves fastidium;

2. Praeco diei iam sonat,
noctis profundae pervigil,
nocturna lux viantibus
a nocte noctem segregans. 

3. Hoc excitatus lucifer
solvit polum caligine,
hoc omnis erronum chorus
vias nocendi deserit.

4. Hoc nauta vires colligit
pontique mitescunt freta,
hoc ipsa petra ecclesiae
canente culpam diluit.

5. Surgamus ergo strenue!
Gallus iacentes excitat,
et somnolentos increpat,
Gallus negantes arguit.

6. Gallo canente spes redit,
aegris salus refunditur,
mucro latronis conditur,
lapsis fides revertitur.

7. Iesu, labantes respice,
et nos videndo corrige,
si respicis, lapsus cadunt,
fletuque culpa solvitur.

8. Tu lux refulge sensibus,
mentisque somnum discute,
te nostra vox primum sonet
et ore psallamus tibi.

9. Sit, Christe, Rex piissime,
tibi Patrique gloria
cum Spiritu Paraclito,
in sempiterna saecula. Amen.


AETERNE RERUM CONDITOR (1632 Version)

1. Aeterne rerum Conditor,
Noctem diemque qui regis,
Et temporum das temporã,
ut alleves fastidium.

2. Nocturna lux viantibus
A nocte noctem. segregans,
Praeco diei iam sonat,
Iubarque solis evocat.

3. Hoc excitatus lucifer
Solvit polum caligine:
Hoc omnis erronum cohors
Viam nocendi deserit.

4. Hoc nauta vires colligit,
Pontique mitescunt freta:
Hoc, ipsa petra Ecclesiae.
Canente, culpam diluit.

5. Surgamus ergo strenue:
Gallus iacentes excitat,
Et somnolentos increpat,
Gallus negantes arguit.

6. Gallo canente spes redit,
Aegris salus refunditur,
Mucro latronis conditur,
Lapsis fides revertitur. 

7. Iesu labantes respice,
Et nos videndo corrige:
Se respicis, labes cadunt,
Fletuque culpa solvitur.

8. Tu lux refulge sensibus,
Mentisque somnum discute:
Te nostra vox primum sonet,
Et vota solvamus tibi.

9. Deo Patri sit gloria,
Eiusque soli Filio,
Cum Spiritu Paraclito,
Nunc et per omne saeculum. Amen

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

Before We End Our Day, O Lord / Te Lucis Ante Terminum

Give Us This Night, Untroubled Rest

Before We End Our Day, O Lord is a translation of the Latin hymn, Te Lucis Ante Terminum. Dating back to the 7th century, this Ambrosian hymn has long been associated with the hour of Compline in various forms of the Office including the Roman Breviary. This translation is set to the tune: St. Bernard, an arrangement by John Ri­chard­son (1816-1879) of a chorale from the Toch­ter Si­on of 1741. In the Divine Office, Before We End Our Day, O Lord is used for Evening Prayer.


Tune: St. Bernard (Ri­chard­son)

TE LUCIS ANTE TERMINUM

1. Te lucis ante terminum,
rerum Creator, poscimus
ut pro tua clementi a
sis praesul et custodia.

2. Procul recedant somnia
et noctium phantasmata;
hostemque nostrum comprime,
ne polluantur corpora.

3. Praesta, Pater piissime,
Patrique compar Unice,
cum Spiritu Paraclito

regnans per omne saeculum. Amen.


Ambrosian Chant

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.

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 Setting Sun / Iam Sol Recedit Igneus

The setting sun now dies away.

The Setting Sun is an adapted translation by Geoffrey Laycock of the Latin hymn Iam Sol Recedit Igneus (see 2nd video) ascribed to St. Ambrose (340-397). In the Roman Breviary it was sung at Saturday Vespers. This translation is set to the tune Angelus by Georg Joseph, first published in Heil­ige Seel­en­lust oder Geist­liche Hirt­en-Lied­er (1657). The melody is more commonly associated with the Anglican hymn At Even Ere the Sun Was Set. In the Liturgy of the Hours The Setting Sun is used during Ordinary Time for Evening Prayer.


Tune: Angelus

IAM SOL RECEDIT IGNEUS by St. Ambrose (Public Domain)

Iam sol recedit igneus:
Tu lux perennis Unitas,
nostris, beata Trinitas,
infunde lumen cordibus.

Te mane laudum carmine,
Te deprecamur vespere;
digneris ut te supplices
laudemus inter caelites.

Patri, simulque Filio,
tibique sancte Spiritus,
sicut fuit, sit iugiter
saeclum per omne gloria.

Ambrosian Chant

Come, Holy Ghost, Who Ever One / Nunc Sancte Nobis Spiritus

Art with the Father and the Son

Come, Holy Ghost, Who Ever One is a translation from the original latin by Blessed John Henry Newman of Nunc Sanc­te no­bis Spir­it­us (see 2nd and 3rd videos) by St. Ambrose (c340-397). It was first published in Tracts for the Times (1836). Attributed to Ambrose of Milan, it was included in the Latin Breviary as the hymn sung during Terce, for it was at the 3rd hour (9AM) that the Holy Spirit defended upon the Apostles at Pentecost. It is set to the tune, O Jesu mi dulcissime from a collection of German Catholic hymns published in 1643, the Clausener Gesangbuch. It is better known in it's setting sung to the tune Wareham (see 1st video). In the Liturgy of the Hours, Come, Holy Ghost, Who Ever One is used during Ordinary Time for Daytime Midmorning Prayer.


Tune: Wareham

COME, HOLY GHOST, WHO EVER ONE by John Henry Newman, 1836 (Public Domain)

Come, Holy Ghost, who ever One
Art with the Father and the Son;
Come, Holy Ghost, our souls possess
With thy full flood of holiness.

In will and deed, by heart and tongue,
With all our powers, thy praise be sung;
And love light up our mortal frame,
Till others catch the living flame.

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


Ambrosian Chant

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

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

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

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


Gregorian Chant