Jesu Dulcis Memoria
1. Jesu, dulcis memoria,
Dans vera cordis gaudia:
Sed super mel et omnia
Ejus dulcis praesentia.
2. Nil canitur suavius,
Nil auditur jucundius,
Nil cogitatur dulcius,
Quam Jesus Dei Filius.
3. Jesu, spes paenitentibus,
Quam pius es petentibus!
Quam bonus te quaerentibus!
Sed quid invenientibus?
4. Nec lingua valet dicere,
Nec littera exprimere:
Expertus potest credere,
Quid sit Jesum diligere.
5. Sis, Jesu, nostrum gaudium,
Qui es futurus praemium
Sit nostra in te gloria,
Per cuncta semper saecula.
Amen.
Click here for an English translation.
This is the Vespers hymn for the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. It has the sentiments of one who would choose Jesus over all other joys, because they have experienced His sweetness. "O taste, and see that the Lord is sweet: blessed is the man who hopeth in Him" (Ps. 33:9). Since words fail to express how ardently a devout soul loves his Lord and Master, the accompanying melody helps a bit. It is beautiful, and is worthy of such sublime lyrics.
This is also sung at Benediction, being a hymn of Our Lord.
This is found on the following CD(s):
Chant Compendium 1.
Return to Gregorian Chant Lyrics page
