Tantum ergo Sacramentum is a hymn in the Catholic Church that is sung during the Feast of Corpus Christi, which is a celebration of the Eucharist. The hymn is based on a poem written by Thomas Aquinas, and it is traditionally sung in Latin. The first known use of the hymn in the Catholic Church was in the 13th century. In the 16th century, Pope Pius V included it in the Roman Missal, making it one of the official hymns of the Church.
The hymn is often sung during the exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and it is a powerful expression of the Church’s belief in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
English lyrics of Tantum ergo Sacramentum
Down in adoration falling,
Lo! the sacred Host we hail,
Lo! oe’r ancient forms departing
Newer rites of grace prevail;
Faith for all defects supplying,
Where the feeble senses fail.
To the everlasting Father,
And the Son Who reigns on high
With the Holy Spirit proceeding
Forth from each eternally,
Be salvation, honor, blessing,
Might and endless majesty.
Amen.
R. Thou hast given them bread from heaven.
V. Having within it all sweetness.
Let us pray: O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament left us a memorial of Thy Passion: grant, we implore Thee, that we may so venerate the sacred mysteries of Thy Body and Blood, as always to be conscious of the fruit of Thy Redemption. Thou who livest and reignest forever and ever.
R. Amen.
Latin lyrics of Tantum ergo Sacramentum
Tantum ergo Sacramentum
Veneremur cernui:
Et antiquum documentum
Novo cedat ritui:
Praestet fides supplementum
Sensuum defectui.
Genitori, Genitoque
Laus et iubilatio,
Salus, honor, virtus quoque
Sit et benedictio:
Procedenti ab utroque
Compar sit laudatio.
Amen.
V. Panem de caelo praestitisti eis.
R. Omne delectamentum in se habentem.
Oremus: Deus, qui nobis sub sacramento mirabili, passionis tuae memoriam reliquisti: tribue, quaesumus, ita nos corporis et sanguinis tui sacra mysteria venerari, ut redemptionis tuae fructum in nobis iugiter sentiamus. Qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum.
R. Amen.
