Rosary Blog

Veni sancte spiritus

Here is John Mason Neale's translation of Veni sancte spiritus, also known as the "Golden Sequence"; we sing it on the feast of Pentecost. As far as I can tell, the original is usually attributed to Stephen Langton (+ 1228 A.D.).

Father Neale was kind enough to preserve the meter of the original, so it fits perfectly with the ancient chant melody.

Come, Thou holy Paraclete, And from Thy celestial seat Send Thy light and brilliancy: Father of the poor, draw near; Giver of all gifts, be here; Come, the soul's true radiancy.

Come, of comforters the best, Of the soul the sweetest guest, Come in toil refreshingly: Thou in labor rest most sweet, Thou art shadow from the heat, Comfort in adversity.

O Thou Light, most pure and blest, Shine within the inmost breast Of Thy faithful company. Where Thou art not, man hath naught; Every holy deed and thought Comes from Thy divinity.

What is soilèd, make Thou pure; What is wounded, work its cure; What is parchèd, fructify; What is rigid, gently bend; What is frozen, warmly tend; Strengthen what goes erringly.

Fill Thy faithful, who confide In Thy power to guard and guide, With Thy sevenfold mystery. Here Thy grace and virtue send: Grant salvation to the end, And in Heav'n felicity.

Posted by billw at December 20, 2002 07:42 AM