At the conclusion of our monthly Eucharistic Procession, we preach a short sermon on St Thomas' Hymn "Verbum Supernum Prodiens" which concludes with the famouse "O Salutaris Hostia."
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VERBUM supernum prodiens, nec Patris linquens dexteram, ad opus suum exiens, venit ad vitae vesperam. | 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. |
In mortem a discipulo suis tradendus aemulis, prius in vitae ferculo se tradidit discipulis. | By false disciple to be given to foemen for His Blood athirst, Himself, the living Bread from heaven, He gave to His disciples first. |
Quibus sub bina specie carnem dedit et sanguinem; ut duplicis substantiae totum cibaret hominem. | 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. |
Se nascens dedit socium, convescens in edulium, se moriens in pretium, se regnans dat in praemium. | 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 salutaris hostia, quae caeli pandis ostium, bella premunt hostilia; da robur, fer auxilium. | 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. |
Uni trinoque Domino sit sempiterna gloria: qui vitam sine termino nobis donet in patria. Amen. | 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. |
From the Liturgia Horarum. Translation by Neale, Caswall, and others. |