This is a Communion hymn. It was translated to English by Roman Catholic priest, theologian and author Ronald A Knox (1888-1957), from Sacris Solemniis by St Thomas Aquinas ((1227·74). It is particularly appropriate for
Holy Thursday - although the language used may be seen as too dense/complicated for some communities.
Hymn-books which it has been published in include:
It was included in a 1969 recording of hymns for Christ the King and Advent, made in Australia (
ref), but no on-line examples have been found.
With meter 11.11.12.8, it is set to a tune called SACRIS SOLEMNIS which in 1939 was described as an "Old Downside tune" - based on this, it is assumed to be in the public domain.
Downloads
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Lyrics
The lyrics are
copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available
page 77 of this book. The hymn has seven verses, each four lines long. A rough outline is
1 Greet we this mystery yearly returning ...
2 Christ, in the sight of his brethren reclining ...
3 After that offering made for a token ...
4 His body fortified spirits that sickened ...
5 Thence this unaltering sacrifice floweth ...
6 Man makes repast in this banquet supernal ...
7 0 gracious Trinity, fill, we implore thee ...
See also
KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY
1 Gree we this mystery yearly returning
Still doth its history set our hearts burning ;
Gone are the former things, all shall be new again,
Thoughts, words, actions be true again.
2 Christ in the sight of his brethren reclining
On that last night of his, gave them for dining
Bread where no leaven was, lamb that was slain for them
So did Moses ordain for them.
3 After that offering made for a token
There stood he proffering his body broken,
Now in those hands of his, now within reach of them,
Whole for all as for each of them.
4 His body fortified spirits that sickened ;
Hearts sad and mortified his blood requickened;
" Drink of this cup that is offered," he said," for you ;
Drink my blood that is shed for you."
5 Thence this unaltering sacrifice fioweth ;
Still his unfaltering grace he bestoweth
Where priests do consecrate, worthily taking it,
Then to Christians breaking it.
6 Man makes repast in this banquet supernal ;
Shadows fade fast in this sunlight eternal ;
Wondrous our heritage, Lord, in receiving thee,
Earth's poor slaves-yet believing thee.
7 O gracious Trinity, fill, we implore thee,
With thy Divinity hearts that adore thee ;
Dwelling in light, to that light bring us home again,
From thy paths ne'er to roam again.
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