Verbum Supernum
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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.
This sublime hymn was written over 700 years ago by St. Thomas Aquinas. This is one of the four large hymns that he wrote in honor of the Blessed Sacrament. These stanzas are poetic, well-written, and extremely beautiful! The melody is also exquisite. You may recognize the last 2 verses -- famous throughout the world for their use in Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament -- and better known as O Salutaris Hostia.
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