Attributed to St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), ca. 1263
Probably based on 10th Century or earlier sources
Verbum supernum prodiens Nec Patris linquens dexteram, Ad opus suum exiens, Venit ad vitae vesperam. | The Word descending from above, without leaving the right hand of His Father, and going forth to do His work, reached the evening of His life. |
In mortem a discipulo Suis tradendus aemulis, Prius in vitae ferculo Se tradidit discipulis. | When about to be given over to his enemies by one of his disciples, to suffer death, He first gave Himself to His disciples as the Bread of Life. |
Quibus sub bina specie Carnem dedit et sanguinem; Ut duplicis substantiae Totum cibaret hominem. | Under a twofold appearance He gave them His Flesh and His Blood; that He might thus wholly feed us made up of a twofold substance. |
Se nascens dedit socium, Convescens in edulium, Se moriens in pretium, Se regnans dat in praemium. | By His birth He gave Himself as our companion; at the Last Supper He gave Himself as our food; dying on the Cross He gave Himself as our ransom; reigning in heaven He gives Himself as our reward. |
O salutaris hostia, Quae coeli pandis ostium, Bella premunt hostilia, Da robur, fer auxilium. | O saving victim, who throws open the gate of heaven, the attacks of bitter enemies oppress us; give us strength, bring us aid. |
Uni trinoque Domino Sit sempiternal gloria: Qui vitam sine termino Nobis donet in patria. Amen.
| Eternal glory be to God, one in three Persons: may He give us life forever in our heavenly home. Amen. |