Sacris Solemniis

The Sacris Solemniis is the Matins hymn of Corpus Christi, composed by St Thomas Aquinas in 1264. Its two last stanzas, Panis Angelicus, are among the most-sung Eucharistic compositions in history — popularised by the music of César Franck.

At this our solemn feast
let holy joys abound,
and from the inmost breast
let songs of praise resound;
let ancient rites depart,
and all be new around:
in every act, and voice, and heart.

Remember we that eve,
when, the Last Supper spread,
Christ, as we all believe,
the Lamb, with leavenless bread,
among his brethren shared,
and thus the Law obeyed,
of all unto their sire declared.

The typic Lamb consumed,
the legal Feast complete,
the Lord unto the Twelve
his Body gave to eat;
the whole to all, no less
the whole to each did mete,
with his own hands, as we confess.

He gave them, weak and frail,
his flesh, their food to be;
on them, downcast and sad,
his blood bestowed he:
and thus to them he spoke:
“receive this Cup from me,
and all of you of this partake.”

So he this sacrifice
to institute did will,
and charged his priests alone
that office to fulfil:
in them he did entrust
to whom belongs it still
to take, and the rest to give.

Panis Angelicus

Thus Angels’ Bread is made
the Bread of man today:
the Living Bread from heaven
with figures dost away.
O wondrous gift indeed!
the poor and lowly may
upon their Lord and Master feed.

Thee, therefore, we implore,
O Godhead, One in Three,
so may you visit us
as we now worship thee;
and lead us on your way,
that we at last may see
the light wherein you dwell for aye. Amen.