Eucharistic
Verbum Supernum Prodiens (The heavenly Word proceeding forth)
Hymn of the Church · Latin text
The hymn for Lauds on Corpus Christi, written by Saint Thomas Aquinas at the request of Pope Urban IV when the feast was established in 1264. Its last two stanzas form the Benediction hymn O Salutaris Hostia. The English draws on the translations of Neale, Caswall and others.
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. By false disciple to be given to foemen for His Blood athirst, Himself, the living Bread from heaven, He gave to His disciples first. 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. 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. 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. 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.
When it is prayed
- corpus-christi
- adoration
- benediction
- lauds
