Supernal Word, Proceeding From

For Advent

Words: Verbum supernum prodiens E Patris. Revised from Verbum supernum prodiens a Patre, with notes.

Translation:  John Henry, Cardinal Newman (1834-1842), Verses on Various Occasions, 1868.

Source: Orby Shipley, Annus Sanctus: Hymns of the Church for the Ecclesiastical Year. Vol. 1. (London and New York: Burns and Oates, 1884), p. 4.

Supernal Word, proceeding from 
     The eternal Father's breast, 
And in the end of ages come 
     To aid a world distrest ; 

Enlighten, Lord, and set on fire 
     Our spirits with thy love, 
That, dead to earth, they may aspire 
     And live to joys above. 

That, when the judgment-seat on high 
     Shall fix the sinner's doom, 
And to the just a glad voice cry, 
     Come to your destined home ; 

Safe from the black and yawning lake 
     Of restless, endless pain, 
We may the face of God partake, 
     The bliss of heaven attain. 

To God the Father, God the Son 
     And Holy Ghost, to thee, 
As heretofore, when time is done, 
     Unending glory be. 

Note from Shipley: 

2. Verbum supermini prodiens e Patris. Revised from Verbum supemum prodiens a Patre. Gregorian Matins Breviary Hymn.

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