O Saving Victim

Sung as the Blessed Sacrament is exposed.

The last two verses of Aquinas’ hymn <em>Verbum Supernum Prodiens</em>, sung on their own at the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. When the monstrance is placed on the altar and the incense rises, this is what the congregation sings.

In Latin

O salutaris Hostia,
quae caeli pandis ostium:
bella premunt hostilia,
da robur, fer auxilium.

Uni trinoque Domino
sit sempiterna gloria,
qui vitam sine termino
nobis donet in patria. Amen.

In English

O saving Victim, opening wide
the gate of heaven to man below;
our foes press on from every side,
thine aid supply, thy strength bestow.

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.

About This Hymn

Note the military language: foes pressing from every side, strength and aid requested. It is not a gentle hymn. Aquinas wrote it for a Church that understood the Eucharist as provision for a campaign, not a consolation prize.